This programme ‘From Absurd to Zany’ celebrates some of the funniest, weirdest and eye-poppingly nutty films that were entered this year.

Strange tales of a woman giving birth to her reproductive organs, a chatty hair living on the head of a balding man, disturbing bird people, singing aliens plus many more bonkers scenarios. Buckle up for a wild ride.

Independent animation remains a dynamic and evolving art form, showcasing a stunning array of styles, materials, and techniques—from hand-drawn and paint-on-glass to collage, sculpture, cut-outs, puppetry, abstract forms, and innovative CGI. This year's LIAF highlights the most diverse and exciting developments within this vibrant medium.

After sorting through a huge pile of 2,400 entries, we’ve curated a selection of 77 outstanding new films from 30 countries. These films range from humorous and dramatic to bizarre, subtle, frightening, and autobiographical. What they all share is our belief that they represent the best of the best. These 8 international competition programmes showcase a variety of techniques, genres, and styles. This is your annual glimpse into the vibrant world of international indie animation.

Several filmmakers will be in attendance to introduce their films at the start of the screening.

Please visit https://liaf.org.uk/ for more details

Jazz Emu: Fun Kitai Furai Dei

A singing alien from the planet 0E0E0 comes to earth, seeking happiness after his home was destroyed in a brutal intergalactic war.

UK  2025 Dir: Hunter Allen 3’30

Um

The bird people have fallen into violent chaos, prey to a disturbing phenomenon: their eggs seem to be haunted by demonic faces. Their hatching seems to herald an imminent catastrophe...

France 2025 Dir: Nieto 8’30

Ovary-Acting

A harried thirty-something woman is forced to decide whether she wants to be a mother after unexpectedly giving birth to her reproductive organs at her sister’s baby shower.

Norway, Sweden, UK  2025 Dir: Ida Melum 12’25

Ostrich

A little sparrow is in awe of the ostriches with their long necks, dazzling eyes and muscular legs and wants to be just like them.

Switzerland 2025 Dir: Marie Kenov  8’30

The 12 inch Pianist

A bar joke goes awry, unravelling into a surreal tale that explores the acceptance of self, others, and queer identity.

USA 2024 Dir: Lucas Ansel 7’25

No Vacancy

The unraveling mind of Jack, depicted through a dilapidated motel. He navigates chaotic nights filled with mysterious phone calls, disruptive guests, childhood humiliation and battles with addiction.

Colombia 2024 Dir: Miguel Rodrick  7’15

Peter Hair

Peter, a hair living on the head of a balding man named Tim, has decided to hand in his notice.

UK 2025 Dir: Arthur Studholme, Cosmo Wellings 8’05

Dollhouse Elephant

In a communal environment the private habits of a group of neighbours creates public mayhem.

Finland 2025 Dir: Jenny Jokela 11’15

Turbulence

First flight. No parents. Total panic. A terrified boy just wants to survive takeoff, but the plane—and its deranged passengers—have other plans.

Denmark, USA 2025  Dir: Christopher Rutledge, Magnus Igland Møller 3’30

The Right to be Forgotten

Deep underground, embedded in old muddy rock, the oracle is waiting.

Denmark 2025 Dir: Tue Sanggaard 10’55