Some films need extra time to develop their themes, to grow and draw us more comprehensively into their worlds. It takes time to think. Reflection tends to work best at a slower tempo. This competition programme is dedicated to showcasing the best of these longer films. 7 longer short films, 7 thoughtful and complex stories.

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

Strange Teen Spirit

Anton is about 15 years old. He observes. Alone. A phosphorescent green trail descends from the rocky plateaus and flows over the city. No one notices. Not even Kata and her gang, who run, tag, sing, scream. Anton dreams of joining them.

France 2024 Dir: Frank Ternier 15’40

Can you Hear Me?

Nastia, who has lived abroad for years, starts to teach her mum how to use the Internet. Different perceptions of technology become the starting point for exposing intergenerational conflicts and long-forgotten family threads. Can an intimacy regained via zoom be a turning point for the future relationship between two adults?

Poland 2025 Dir: ​Anastazja Naumenko 15’00

La Vie avec un idiot

Accused by the authorities of not working hard enough, Vladimir is forced to live with an idiot as punishment. He chooses him from an asylum and his name is Vova. This idiot can only pronounce one syllable: ooh.

France 2025 Dir: Theodore Ushev 18’10

Autokar

In the 1990s, 8-year-old Agata leaves Poland for Belgium. Through her eyes, the reality of migration becomes an initiatory experience.

Poland 2025 Dir: ​​Sylwia Szkiladz 17’30

Ploo

'If it keeps starting over, it must be forever', says the white moth. But a gentle whisper breathes in each dawn, 'one day, all days will be gone'. Ploo blends attributes of vector graphics and screen display technology with the human condition.

Germany 2025 Dir: Jon Frickey 15’10

The Golden Donkey

As the people of a medieval village celebrate the beginning of summer, the royal family experiences an identity crisis. The king thinks he’s made of glass, the princess dreams of becoming the king and the prince is trapped in the body of a donkey.

Belgium 2024 Dir: Anne Verbeure 15’35

Signal

Claudie is passionate about her unusual job: scanning the cosmos for signs of extraterrestrial life, hoping to make contact. Completely absorbed in her mission, she gradually loses touch with those around her, and even reality itself could fade away.

Belgium, France 2025 Dir: Emma Carré, Mathilde Parquet 16’45