Despite societal pressures, humans still create art, jokes, rituals, experiments….and animated films. Play and imagination are core human capacities that drive innovation and meaning. This programme examines some big life moments and asks some pointed questions. The 11 powerful films include a man revisiting his teenage years through the prism of his changing hairstyles, a touching mother-daughter relationship, a bittersweet and hopeful depiction of how society views growing old, a mesmerising, minimalist meditation patiently picking away at the little details often left unconsidered and several other tales  about love, death, and purpose.

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.

Retirement Plan

Dissatisfied with his life, Ray dreams of the beauty and joy he will find in retirement.

Ireland 2025 Dir: John Kelly 7’00

Dog Alone

After the death of its owner and companions, a dog is left alone in its house, howling day and night and disturbing the neighbourhood.

Portugal, France 2024 Dir: Marta Reis Andrade 13’10

Imprint

Chance encounters can leave a lasting effect, like ink on paper. Imprint is a heartfelt animated short about the lasting creative bond between two kindred spirits.

Canada 2025 Dir: Duncan Major 5’00

How

Through the opening between reality and subtle poetic forms, surreal scenes and thrilling paradoxes reveal endless loops of existence.

Croatia 2025 Dir: Marko Mestrovic 8’45

Balconada

A hot summer day brings several neighbours out on their balconies. During a sudden rainstorm one of them gets a burst of inspiration which encourages the rest to live in the moment.

France, Bulgaria 2025 Dir: Iva Tokmakchieva 8’05

Speeding, Of Course

70-year-old Timo makes the most of his short ride to work. Speeding up on a bicycle he ends up in a ditch, but the adrenaline rush leaves a feeling of pleasure.

Finland 2025 Dir: Anni Sairio, Joonatan Turkki 4’00

S the Wolf

Through memories of his changing thinning hair, a man revisits his teenage years weaving together fragments of youth and growth towards his personal transformation throughout the large journey of his life.

France 2025 Dir: Sameh Alaa 10’30

Poppy Flowers

A daughter tries to reconcile with her mother through memories of their shared rituals, exposing the intricate aspects of their relationship.

Estonia 2024 Dir: Evridiki Papaiakovou 4’25

Shadows

At an overcrowded airport, Ahlam, a 14-year old runaway mother, fights the lurking shadows that attempt to steal the only dream that will set her free.

France, Jordan 2024  Dir: Rand Beiruty 12’20

Ordinary Life

A breath of air, a movement, a touch and, in between, a dissolution. Gestures of everyday life in variation, sensual, floating in pastel colours.

Japan 2025 Dir: Yoriko Mizushiri 9’50

Quota

When every global citizen is required to have their CO2 emissions tracked, it makes little impact… that is, until they discover the consequences of reaching their designated quota.

Netherlands 2024 Dir: Job, Joris and Marieke 2’40