MOVE Summit, Scotland’s animation and VFX gathering, returns this year to the historic Pleasance Courtyard and other Edinburgh venues from 18th – 21st February 2026, now taking place over four days rather than the usual three. The conference brings together industry leaders, creatives & practitioners, broadcasters and commissioners, students and educators in Edinburgh, to celebrate the year’s most outstanding animated and visual effect projects, industry successes and inspire the next generation of artists.

Returning this year will be our dedicated Emerging Talent Day (Wednesday 18th February) dedicated to students with a programme focused on Industry-ready skill development. Following hot on its heels will be our two Industry Days (Thursday 19th and Friday 20th February) bringing together delegates from all over the UK and beyond and highlighting Scotland’s work to global audiences.

The industry programme includes; inspiring creative talks, workshops, the exhibition (including recruitment fair, demos, information stands, software and hardware vendors marketplace and more), the Business@MOVE strand of sessions, our portfolio reviews and 1:1 meetings (giving attendees the opportunity to meet commissioners, creative agencies, funders and industry experts), competitions and much more.

And returning also is our live pitching showcase, The Big MOVE Pitch, which gives shortlisted creatives the opportunity to pitch their show concept live, on stage in front of industry experts and the opportunity to win £1,000 to take their project to the next stage and more.

And for the first time, extending MOVE Summit to four days, is our dedicated Screenings Day (on Saturday 21st February) which will give attendees the opportunity to watch the best of Scottish, UK and International Animation. We look forward to introducing the full screenings programme in the new year. Screening sessions are included in any pass combination that includes attendance on at least one industry day.

First Guests Announced for MOVE Summit 2026

Todd Harris

TODD HARRIS, creator, director, and showrunner of the limited series EYES OF WAKANDA, the only extension in the Black Panther universe not directed by Coogler himself. Before this Todd spent years designing action for some of the most iconic movies in the world – AVENGERS, JOHN WICK, DEADPOOL, SPIDER-MAN, BLACK PANTHER, and SINNERS earning deep respect from top filmmakers across Hollywood, standing out as a narrative driver who has a rare grasp of character, world building, and kinetic action. Above all, he’s a true cinephile and filmmaker with something to say – all in the name of telling fresh, bold stories.

Natalie Adams

Natalie Adams has over 25 years’ senior management level experience in IP development, TV production, international distribution, financing and new business development in Kids & Family animation. She is currently SVP Business Development for Triggerfish Animation and Executive Producer for Tiger Aspect Kids & Family, overseeing the original series Stan & Gran for Milkshake! and Nickelodeon UK.

Natalie spent over seven years at Jellyfish Pictures (2018-2025), initially to oversee its newly established Original Kids’ Content Division before earning promotion to Managing Director – Animation & Originals, and latterly as Managing Director of Originals. Prior to that she spent almost six years at Platinum Films as Head of Global Strategy.

Her credits include DogMan (DreamWorks), Wolf King (Netflix Series), The Twits (Netflix Features),
Matt Hatter Chronicles (ITV) and Everything’s Rosie (CBeebies).

Jon Mason

Jon Mason is the Founder and Managing Director of Jollywise, a Brighton-based digital studio specialising in animation, children’s media, and interactive storytelling. With more than 25 years in digital entertainment, Jon has created award-winning work for global brands including Disney, BBC Studios, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network.

He is the creator and executive producer of Stan & Gran, the international animated preschool series currently airing on Channel 5’s kids block Milkshake!. Inspired by Jon’s own childhood adventures in nature with his grandmother, the show celebrates curiosity, wildlife, and the magic of intergenerational relationships.

Alongside Jollywise’s digital work, Jon now focuses on building original IP, expanding Stan & Gran internationally, and exploring new formats, from preschool Roblox worlds to motion-driven games for young children. Based in Sussex for over 20 years, Jon champions storytelling that helps kids learn, laugh and connect with the natural world.

MOVE Summit 2026 is made possible thanks to the generous support of the event’s funders and partners, who include Screen Scotland, Cahoots Studios, ScreenSkills, Eyebolls, Praxinos, Wild Child Animation, Halon, Milkshake! And Paramount.

The full conference agenda and guestlist is expected to be released within the next month. Visit https://movesummit.co.uk for more information and watch out for announcements across our social
media channels.

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Promising two nights of genre-busting technology and creative inspiration, RENDR, which is supported by Northern Ireland Screen, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Visit Belfast, takes place from 12-13 February at Portview Trade Centre in East Belfast.

Over 30 speakers from across the creative industries will deliver keynote presentations across two evenings and two main stages: the RENDR Stage and BLOCK stage. Alongside live and interactive demonstrations of new technology, digital art and gaming experiences, RENDR also offers aspiring creatives the opportunity to participate in industry workshops and have their portfolios reviewed by studios and top creative professionals.

Building on its mission to connect Northern Ireland with global creative innovation, RENDR has announced an early line-up of internationally recognised speakers, including Belfast-born CG Supervisor James Carson from Sony Pictures Imageworks, whose most recent credit includes the global phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters for Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix.

Carson joined Imageworks in 2015 and has worked on both animated and live-action projects, including the Academy Award-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Smurfs: The Lost Village, The Angry Birds Movie 2, and Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Also announced is Jay Worth, the Emmy-winning VFX supervisor known for his highly-acclaimed work on projects such as Westworld, Lost, and most recently Amazon Prime’s episodic adaptation of Bethesda Game Studios’ Fallout series.

Other speakers on the bill include Giovanna Ferrari from Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, who served as head of story and animation director on the Oscar-nominated feature My Father’s Dragon; Tobias Weisner, a compositing supervisor at WēTā FX, who worked on HBO’s Last of Us Season 2; and digital media pioneer Matthew Scott, the founder of Playhuman, the digital entertainment platform on a mission to redefine traditional engagement and linear storytelling.

Alongside experts in VFX, RENDR will also have a multidisciplinary focus and shine a spotlight on practical effects. Camille Balsamo-Gillis, co-founder of ProMachina, the Los Angeles-based practical FX production company, will share insights on the process of creating the miniatures for the film and TV industry, including examples from their work on The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

From Limerick’s Studio Odyssey, one of Europe’s largest model-making studios, Mark Maher, whose credits include The Hobbit trilogy, will talk about his role as head of department prop making on Netflix’s Wednesday season two.

RENDR director Michael Weir said:

We’re really proud to be at the heart of our growing creative sector to help incubate new ideas. RENDR is for the artist, the developer, the student, and the industry veteran. It’s a space where creativity and technology collide in spectacular fashion to connect the island with the global creative community and inspire – maybe even challenge – the next generation to push at the boundaries of possibility.

Early bird tickets for standard entry, concession and VIP access are available now. More speakers will be added to the line-up over the coming weeks.

For more information and to book, visit rendrfestival.com

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Hosted by comedian and writer Alasdair Beckett-King, the evening celebrated creativity across the animation spectrum, with awards presented in categories including Short Film, Feature Film, British Film, Student Film, Commissioned Film, Immersive, Short Film for Children, and the coveted Audience Award. Winners took home the desirable Manchester Animation Festival trophies, beautifully crafted by the legendary Mackinnon & Saunders.

Winners of the festival’s Short Film Award are eligible for consideration in the Academy Awards® Short Films competition without the need for a standard theatrical run, provided they meet all other Academy requirements. Following MAF’s collaboration with BAFTA® in 2024 to recognise international animation festivals as qualifying events, all British films screened at the festival will now be automatically longlisted for BAFTA’s prestigious British Short Animation award.

The ceremony opened with the Industry Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding individuals behind the scenes in scriptwriting, storyboarding, character design, and character animation  shining a spotlight on the craft and talent that power the industry.

Festival Director Steve Henderson said:

There have been so many enriching conversations this week about the future of animation. At a tricky time for the animation industry, seeing such a range of wonderful, handcrafted, and intricate masterpieces celebrated – and awarded – here at the festival is genuinely heartwarming and brilliant, obliterating any doom and gloom!

THE 2025 INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS ARE:

Script Writing
Davey Moore for Maddie and Triggs (CBeebies/RTÉjr)

Storyboarding
Sasha Fusini for Supertato (BBC)

Character Animation
Dave McKenna for Maddie and Triggs (CBeebies/RTÉjr)

Character Design
Saeed Rezvani for Mojo Swoptops (CBeebies)

MANCHESTER ANIMATION FILM AWARD WINNERS ARE:

Feature Film
Winner: ‘Little Amélie or the Character of Rain’ by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han (France)
The Jury said:

It was a unanimous decision by the jury who were all blown away by the originality and creativity of this film. We were transported by the tender and heartwarming story of family, seen from the point of view of the two year old girl. There was a real cohesion within the film from the art direction, animation, voice performances, music and sound design that came together beautifully in this unique and moving feature.

Short Film
Winner: ‘Sulaimani’ by Vinnie Ann Bose (France)
The Jury said:

This short film explores the cultural nuances, societal expectations and internal conflict of leaving India with real depth and care. Dancing seamlessly between stop motion & 2D, the mixed media format enhanced the storytelling and its evocative imagery. With strong characterisation and real emotions.

Special Mention: ‘Dog Ear’ by Péter Vácz (Hungary)

British Short Film
Winner: ‘Two Black Boys in Paradise’ by Baz Sells (United Kingdom)
The Jury said:

Our winning film is as gorgeous and visually poetic as it is bold and unapologetic in its storytelling. The film expertly weaves a number of British themes into the fabric of this film, among them the intersection of race, gender and sexuality. The filmmakers handle their subject matter with such care and grace, giving us a celebration of Black, queer love and leaving us with a universal invitation to welcome love.

Special Mention: ‘Brain Space’ by Laura Tofarides (United Kingdom)

Student Film
Winner: ‘The Twelve Inch Pianist’ by Lucas Ansel (United States)
The Jury said:

Unexpected. Absurd. Funny. We loved every inch of this film!

Special Mention: ‘Urban Duo’ by Hongyu Yue (China)

Immersive Film
Winner: ‘Out of Nowhere’ by Kris Hoffman (Austria)
The Jury said:

This immersive work is crafted with great subtlety and extensive detail which makes the navigation and interaction feel intuitive and culminates in a moving experience. The use of VR to depict the immersion and urgency of flooding places the user directly in the ravages of climate change to create empathy and engagement, landing the themes and message with impact.

Special Mention: ‘Less Than 5gr of Saffron’ by Négar Motevalymeidanshah (France)

Commissioned Film
Winner: ‘Desi Oon’ by Suresh Eriyat (India)
The Jury said:

This commercial work is a joyful and visually dynamic film for charity. Simultaneously funny, informative and reflective, the story really warrants the material and the craft. A skilful blend of a commercial, music video and call to action, all very neatly and literally wrapped in wool!

Special Mention: ‘Naive New Beaters & Star Feminine Band’ by Ye Kou Si Kuo (France)

Audience Award
The audience award was voted for by Manchester Animation Festival Delegates.
Winner: ‘Ovary-Acting’ by Ida Melum (United Kingdom)

Short Films for Children
The Short Film for Children Category was judged by Into Film’s curation team.
Winner: ‘Forevergreen’ by Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears (United States)
The Jury said:

We were unanimous in being equally impressed and enchanted by this gorgeously-rendered animation about the relationship between an orphaned bear cub and the tree which looks out for him, with all-too-relevant themes around the natural world and the need to protect our environment. This labour of love serves as an inspirational example of the creative process between animators who have combined their talents to bring their vision to life.

Irish studio and animation powerhouse Cartoon Saloon also received the Manchester Animation
Festival Fellowship Award, recognising over 25 years of excellence in animation. Co-founders Tomm Moore, Paul Young, and Nora Twomey collected their award in a heartfelt presentation on Thursday.

Manchester Animation Festival wraps after 5 days of talks, panels, UK premieres and exclusive insights. Highlights included Q&A’s with Alex Woo, Director of Netflix’s In Your Dreams, Baku Kinoshita, Director of The Last Blossom and Joanna Quinn’s talk on her legendary character, Beryl.

Disney Animation Studio’s Chad Sellers and Renato dos Anjos stunned audiences with an exclusive preview of Disney’s upcoming feature in the Making Of Zootropolis 2, whilst Head of Adult Swim EMEA Mark Taynton treated audiences to exclusive previews of Adult Swim’s upcoming shows, and showered live drawing artists with prizes and paid commissions. The festival hosted talks from industry titans Epic Games, Magic Light Pictures, Industrial Light & Magic, DNEG, BBC Studios Kids and Family and Moho Animation. Mamoru Oshii’s cult classic Angel’s Egg played on the big screen 40 years after its initial release, whilst the first Mexican stop motion feature, Cinema Fantasma’s I am Frankelda, had its UK premiere. The Young Animators of the Year were also awarded, showcasing an entirely new generation of talent entering into the world of animation.

Manchester Animation Festival is presented with the support of Higher Education Partner University of Salford, Festival Partner HOME and Festival Patrons Adult Swim, BBC Children’s & Education, BBC Studios Kids & Family, Blue Zoo Animation Studio, Bridge AI, Epic Games, Industrial Light & Magic, Innovate UK, Toon Boom and Moho Animation Software.

Manchester Animation Festival’s Online Programme runs from Fri 14 Nov – Sun 30 Nov 2025
For more information visit the website manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk

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VIEW Conference 2025

For six extraordinary days this October, the beautiful baroque city of Turin, Italy, was home to a diverse group of award-winning film directors, animation and VFX impresarios, and visionary thinkers from Hollywood and Silicon Valley, who came together to celebrate the latest achievements in animation, VFX, games and share unforgettable visions of the future. The event that drew them to the city was VIEW Conference 2025.

Celebrating 25 years of success, VIEW Conference 2025 attracted 6,511 attendees from 57 countries. Its carefully curated program of sessions boasted over 150 speakers – a 25% increase on last year’s event – who delivered 76 talks, 22 in-depth workshops, 14 panels, and nine masterclasses, plus portfolio reviews, screenings, keynotes and more, all designed to inform, educate and inspire the conference’s international audience.

Between sessions, visitors seized the opportunity to explore Italy’s scenic Piedmont Region, the only place in the world where the coveted white truffle can be found, and home to some of the country’s great red wines. Turin itself is filled with tourist attractions including the city’s world-famous Egyptian Museum, which houses the biggest collection of Ancient Egyptian art outside of Cairo.

The main VIEW Conference 2025 program took place in the spectacular Officine Grandi Riparazioni (OGR), where the legendary VIEW Conference vibe generated its customary energetic and inclusive atmosphere. Two full days of workshops took place on the Turin campus of the ITS ICT Piemonte technical academy.

Furthermore, VIEW Conference 2025, in partnership with Museo del Cinema di Torino, presented two special movie screenings at Turin’s historic Cinema Massimo. A singalong screening of “KPop Demon Hunters,” the hit musical animated feature from Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, was introduced in person by its two directors, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans. Also shown was Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation’s live-action “How to Train Your Dragon,” with a live introduction by the film’s VFX supervisor Christian Mänz and animation supervisor Glen McIntosh.

“What makes VIEW Conference so successful year after year is the people,” says Conference Director Dr. Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Our incredible speakers, who give so generously of their time, their wisdom, and their experience. Our wonderful audience, drawn from all corners of the globe, who spread the love with their infectious enthusiasm. Our generous sponsors, partners and patrons, without whom none of this would be possible. Our amazing behind-the-scenes team who work so hard to make the magic happen. Best of all are the breathtaking presentations into which our speakers pour their hearts and souls, showing us their deepest humanity and the immense passion they have for their art.”

Leading the field of award-winning creatives at VIEW Conference 2025 was Oscar®-winner Doug Chiang, senior vice president and executive design director at Lucasfilm, who collected this year’s coveted VIEW Visionary Award. Previous recipients of the award, presented for outstanding contribution to the visual arts, include Oscar-nominated president of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation Ramsey Naito, Oscar-winning cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins, pioneering visual effects supervisor and Oscar®-winner Dennis Muren, Oscar-nominated animated feature director Nora Twomey and Oscar-winning Pixar designer/director Ralph Eggleston. Chiang also delivered the conference’s closing keynote “A Life in Film Design.”

Matt Buehler, founder and CTO of 3D content specialists vrbn, presented an enthralling keynote entitled “The Purposes of Creativity & Art.” Shane Valdez, founder and CEO of Superfile, discussed the importance of digital security in a world dependent on global collaboration. The latest applications of AI were discussed by Rick Champagne, director of Global Media2 Strategy and Marketing at NVIDIA and Ian Massingham, head of developer relations at Griptape. John Canning, head of developer relations M&E, AEC, D&M, AMD, explored the impact of the latest technology and tools for small teams.

Alongside the directors of “KPop Demon Hunters,” VIEW Conference 2025 also welcomed film directors Madeline Sharafian and Academy Award®-winner Domee Shi (Disney and Pixar’s “Elio”), Alessandro Carloni (Warner Bros. Pictures Animation’s upcoming “The Cat in the Hat,” due for release in theaters February 27, 2026) and Annie Award-winner Pierre Perifel (DreamWorks Animation’s “The Bad Guys 2”). Director Alex Woo took the stage with VFX supervisor Nicky Lavender and head of character animation Sacha Kapijimpanga to speak about Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s “In Your Dreams”.

VIEW Conference 2025 offered a sneak peek at some of this year’s most anticipated movies. In a specially recorded video interview, Oscar-nominated cinematographer Dan Laustsen ASC, DFF, talked in depth about lensing Netflix’s new adaptation of “Frankenstein,” written and directed by his long-time collaborator Guillermo del Toro. Production designer Dylan Cole transported the VIEW Conference to the exotic world of Pandora, sharing futuristic visions from the upcoming “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” Meanwhile, in his presentation “To Infinity… and RenderMan XPU!” Pixar’s Dylan Sisson presented exclusive footage from Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” out June 2026.

Award-winning VFX maestros explored the fast-evolving world of visual effects. In a special fireside chat, Janet Lewin, senior vice president, general manager and head of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), discussed her 30-year career at the cutting edge of visual effects and virtual production. From the world of big-screen features came Oscar-nominated Pablo Helman and Framestore’s Dale Newton (Universal Pictures’ “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good”), David Seager (Disney’s “TRON: Ares”), BAFTA Award-winner David Vickery (Universal Pictures’ “Jurassic World: Rebirth”), Craig Hammack (Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch”), Oscar-nominated Ryan Tudhope (Apple’s “F1: The Movie”), Stephane Nazé (DC Studios’ “Superman”) and Michael Ralla (Warner Bros’ “Sinners”).

Also in the spotlight were the VFX for a range of episodic series including HBO’s “The Penguin” (with Johnny Han, Goran Pavles and Eugene Bondar), Apple TV’s “The Studio” (with Sandro Blattner and Wylie Co. VFX’s Jake Maymudes), Netflix’s “Wednesday” (with Rocket Science VFX’s Jethro Au and Kevin Buessecker), Netflix’s “The Sandman” (with Rodeo FX’s Martin Pelletier), HBO’s “Dune: Prophecy” (with Accenture Song VFX’s Apollonia Hartman and David Anastacio), Amazon Studios’ “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” (with Rodeo FX’s Ara Khanikian), HBO’s “The Last of Us” (with DNEG’s Melaina Mace and Roberto Rodricks), and HBO’s “House of the Dragon” (with Pixomondo’s Claudia Marvisi).

Twice Oscar-winning VFX supervisor Ian Hunter discussed not only his work on Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” but also his remarkable career creating miniature effects for award-winning films including “Interstellar” and “First Man.” Meanwhile miniature unit supervisor and props designer Simon Weisse looked back at his 30-year career, including his extraordinary work with acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson.

From the realm of games, Sucker Punch Productions creative director Nate Fox gave a presentation on the PS5 game “Ghost of Yōtei.” Jan-Bart van Beek and Jochen Willemsen from Guerrilla Games discussed how they created a family-friendly apocalypse with “Lego Horizon Adventures.”

Big ideas were discussed by a collection of award-winning panelists, including “The Future of Storytelling,” for which our line-up of award-winning film directors was joined by Kris Pearn, director of “The Willoughbys,” and Camille Balsamo-Gillis, co-founder of Pro Machina. Other panels included “The Future of Filmmaking,” “Innovation and Creativity at the Service of Audiovisual Production,” “Women in Animation: VFX and Live Action,” “Cinema 3: A New Era of Film,” and “Bridging the Gap in VFX: Collaboration & Innovation,” presented in partnership with the Visual Effects Society.

In-depth workshops included “Creating the World of ‘Game of Thrones’” with environment concept artist Kieran Belshaw; “The Purpose and Principles of Architecture” with vrbn’s Matt Buehler. A special highlight was an all-day walking workshop “Evolve from Seeing to Vision, from Watching to Storytelling,” where legendary photographer Asa Mathat took participants and their cameras out on the streets of Turin.

Setting its sights on business and education, VIEW Conference 2025 introduced young talent to top-level professionals, in a series of sessions designed to help nurture the talent of the future. These included dedicated portfolio review sessions with experienced creative professionals, and panels such as “Inspiring the Next Generation – AI and Innovation Technologies in Education.” Career development and project management was explored in talks such as “Is VFX a Sustainable Business Model?” and “Creative Careers Unfiltered: Motivation, Mentorship and Meaningful Networking.”

“The VIEW Conference 2025 program was more wide-ranging than any we have offered before,” says Conference Director Dr. Maria Elena Gutierrez. “I offer my heartfelt thanks to our worldwide family of talented speakers, many of whom return year after year to help create the unique buzz that makes VIEW Conference an unforgettable experience for everyone. All that remains is to share this pledge for next year – VIEW Conference 2026 is going to be bigger and better than ever!”

VIEW Conference 2025 was made possible with support from Fondazione CRT, Fondazione Sviluppo E Crescita CRT, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, Regione Piemonte, Camera di Commercio di Torino, Punto Impresa Digitale, Lenovo | Nvidia, Superfile, AMD, Accenture, Netflix, Industrial Light & Magic, Wylie Co. VFX, Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Texas A&M University, vrbn, Claynosaurz, Iren, Alps Studios and Das Element.

Now Available – VIEW Conference 2025 Online Archive

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Professional Craft Award for the Best Professional Movie – LES BÊTES -directed by Michael Granberry

Jury of the International Competition of Traditional/Classical & Stop-Motion Animation (Heri Dono (Indonesia), Hassan Muthalib (Malaysia), Nyan Kyal Say (Myanmar)) decided to award the Professional Craft Award for the Best Professional Movie to the stop-motion LES BÊTES (United States 2024, 11:38), directed by Michael Granberry. The CRAFT audience agreed with this decision and also awarded LES BÊTES.

Jury Special Award for the Professional Movie in the International Competition went to the hand-painted animation SWEETER IS THE NIGHT (France 2024, 18:25), directed by Fabienne Wagenaar.

Strong Craft Basis Award for the Best Student Movie went to the puppet animation DETLEV (Germany 2024, 12:50), directed by Ferdinand Ehrhardt (Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg), while Jury Special Award for the Student Movie in the International Competition went to the stop motion MOTHER OF DAWN (Belgium, Brazil, Finland, Portugal 2024, 08:09), directed by Clara Trevisan (Re:Anima Joint Masters Programme).

The same situation of consent occurred between the Jury of the Southeast Asia Competition (Ekaterina Gardener (Belgium), Julia Hazuka (Poland), Yoshiharu Ashino (Japan)) and the Audience. THE BELL (Philippines 2024, 11:01), directed by Mark Mendoza, was awarded the Professional Craft Award for the Best Professional Movie, as well as the Audience Award.

Strong Craft Basis Award for the Best Student Movie in the Southeast Asia Competition (covering all digital and non-digital animation techniques) went to BURGER (Cambodia 2025, 06:57), directed by Seraktepy KANN (Phare Visual & Applied Arts School), which also won the Jury Special Mention for the Best Designed Poster.

Of course, the youngest audience also chose their favorite movie. In the SHORTS FOR KIDS COMPETITION (stop-motion and traditional animation techniques, without dialogues), the winner was puppet animation HOOFS ON SKATES (Lithuania 2024, 12:24), directed by Ignas Meilūnas.

The complete list of the winners can be found HERE

The fifth edition of the CRAFT International Animation Festival took place from 28/10 to 01/11/2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, for the last time in a biennial format. From now on, CRAFT will be an annual event. The 6th edition of CRAFT will take place in the second half of 2026.

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The London International Animation Festival (LIAF 2025), the UK’s largest, longest-running and most eclectic animation festival, returns for its 22nd year celebrating the whole spectrum of animation with a mammoth 27 programmes showcasing every style, technique and genre within animation. All indie and all spotlighting talent from impressively sparkling newbies right through to established veterans of our beloved artform. A 10-day feast of 240 of the best animated shorts from 30 countries around the world, with many of the filmmakers present to introduce their films in person.

Be prepared to feast your eyes on a sumptuous banquet of the world’s best, wildest and most awe-inspiring animated films.

We are excited to be back screening for our live audiences at 5 London venues – the Barbican, The Garden Cinema, The Horse Hospital, The Puppet Theatre Barge and Close Up Cinema.

For those unable to travel to London, virtually the whole festival will also be available worldwide to view online on our streaming platform, bringing the best independent animation directly into people’s homes. Everything our audience loves about LIAF is being transformed into a virtual version: screenings, free industry panels, audience voting and insightful and entertaining talks.

Screenings will be available daily from 28 November to 7 December, running alongside live and pre-recorded panel discussions with many of the world’s leading animators and industry players.

As ever, this year’s uncompromising programme promises to inspire, delight and challenge the notion that animation is merely a 3D CGI blockbuster genre or cute cartoons for kids. Independent animation is an art form that continues to thrive and develop as a breathtaking medley of styles, materials, techniques and production – from hand drawn, paint on glass, collage, pixilation, cut outs, puppets, abstract, sand and everything in-between to some of the more interesting developments in CGI – all of which can be seen at this year’s LIAF.

A Snapshot of LIAF 2025

Opening Night Special Screening: A Tribute to Emma Calder (fierce and independent to the end) – Barbican Cinema

LIAF 2025’s opening night is dedicated to the late Emma Calder, a trailblazing force in independent animation. For over 40 years, Emma shaped the animation landscape through film, books, design, and teaching, fiercely advocating for independent voices and new funding opportunities. In 2024, at the height of her career, she began work on House of Love before being diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer. Though she couldn’t complete the film herself, she left detailed notes and direction, allowing her team to bring it to completion. Tonight marks its world premiere. The programme also features a near-complete retrospective of her work – films that channel a punk spirit and continually redefine the possibilities of animation. Following the screening, friends and collaborators will gather onstage for a panel discussion on Emma’s enduring legacy.

8 International Competition Screenings – The Garden Cinema, The Puppet Theatre Barge and The Horse Hospital

Including From Absurd to Zany (humorous shorts), Into The Dark (scary shorts), Animated Documentaries, the Abstract Showcase and the Stop-Motion Panorama. 77 films of every technique, genre and style from the international indie animation universe and the world’s most creative talents showing that animation is alive and well and thriving. Many of the filmmakers from the UK and around the world will join us in cinemas and onstage for post-screening talks and introductions.

The British Showcase – Barbican Cinema

A snapshot of what’s happening now in British animation. Independent British animated films have carved out a unique niche in the cinematic landscape, characterised by their distinct artistic styles and innovative storytelling. These films frequently explore themes of identity, culture, and social issues, reflecting the diverse experiences of contemporary Britain. Before the screening there is a chance to meet many of the animators and hear them talk about their films as they take to the stage to introduce them.

Figures in Focus – Skin Shows: Barbican Cinema

A programme of contemporary animations in recognition of the under-representation of female and non-binary animators and their stories within independent animation. The title ‘Skin Shows’ is a nod to Jack Halberstam’s book of the same name; a work that explores gothic horror, monstrousness, corporeality, otherness, and its representation in contemporary film. In this programme the female body is viewed as grotesque, abject, and perverse. These films show that getting under the skin of this conceit can be empowering rather than horrifying. The screening will be followed by a discussion with filmmakers May Kindred Boothby, Lizzie Watts, and Dr Laura-Beth Cowley.

Disrupting the Narrative – The Beauty of Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Barbican Cinema

This programme takes viewers on unexpected journeys across London, India, DR Congo, Nigeria, Belgium, France, Germany and beyond with 11 films that portray characters who confront societal pressures, whether it’s environmental destruction, discrimination, or personal identity struggles that tell stories about the urgency of sustainable living. Several of the filmmakers will join programmer Osbert Parker for a post-screening discussion.

Lesbian Space Princess (Feature Film): The Garden Cinema

Heartbreak. Kidnapping. Gay-pop idols. And one impossibly needy space princess blasting through the cosmos. Buckle up your glitter belts: Lesbian Space Princess has officially landed at LIAF after snatching the coveted Teddy Award at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival. Part space opera, part rom-com, part glitter-fuelled fever dream, Lesbian Space Princess is a love letter to queer resilience and messy, magical relationships – with enough camp to fuel a rocket.

Are You OK? Destigmatising Mental Health: The Horse Hospital

Animated shorts are a powerful medium for addressing mental health issues, offering a unique and often visually compelling way to explore complex emotions and inner struggles. This special programme vividly depicts experiences like anxiety, depression, trauma and personal growth. Several of the filmmakers will be present for a panel discussion after the screening.

Queer Shorts: The Horse Hospital

A programme of short animated films that celebrate queer lives, loves, and imaginations. Animation lets us bend reality, dream big, and tell stories in ways words alone can’t. These films remind us that animation is not just entertainment, but a medium for visibility, resistance, and imagination.

40 Years of RCA Animation: The Horse Hospital

40 years ago, the Royal College of Art launched its animation programme. This LIAF selection from over 1000 archived student films includes early work by key figures in UK animation and internationally acclaimed shorts that have stood the test of time.

Animation at War: Barbican Cinema

How do filmmakers use the expressive potential of animation to address ever-relevant themes of war and conflict? These films range from abstract to activist, tracing the scars of trauma and meditating on the nature of war.

Late Night Bizarre: The Horse Hospital

A programme of the weirdest, wildest and most demented films submitted to LIAF this year featuring a bunch of anti-classics guaranteed to be as far away from Disney as possible.

Music Video Programme: The Horse Hospital

The world’s best music clips made by the world’s most inventive animators. Featuring Wet Leg, Aphex Twin and Black Country New Road alongside several others.

The Best of the Next: The Horse Hospital

The 33 best student films from the world’s best film schools made in the last 18 months. The first step on the animation ladder for these talented filmmakers.

Two Programmes for Children Aged 0–7 and 8–15: Barbican Cinema

Several short animated films, full of joy from all around the world containing cheeky, loveable humans and animals in all sorts of mad adventures.

The Best of the Fest: Barbican Cinema

A roundup of LIAF 2025, where the best films as chosen by audience and industry judges are announced, awarded prizes and re-screened one final time.

Free Online Panel Discussions

LIAF presents the 2025 UK Animation Industry Event – 5 panels giving insider access to some of the hottest topics of the year. Chaired by Julian Scott, Babak Jani and Saint John Walker, with discussions covering accessibility in animation, funding, mental health, and innovation in storytelling.

Full Programme Online

View full programme online at liaf.org.uk

Tickets for in-venue screenings available from cinema box-offices.

Buy passes for online screenings

VIP PASS – £79 (access to 23 screenings and 5 talks)
CURATOR PASS – £39 (access to 8 screenings of your choice)
Single tickets for online screenings – £5

The post London International Animation Festival (LIAF 2025) Returns for Its 22nd Year appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

The Aichi Nagoya International Animation Film Festival (ANIAFF) announced collaborations with two renowned international organizations: ASIFA-Hollywood and Women in Animation (WIA). The inaugural ANIAFF will take place from December 12 to 17, 2025, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the Association Internationale du Film d’Animation (ASIFA) and presenter of the Annie Awards, will participate through the appointment of its Executive Director, Aubry Mintz, to the ANIAFF Feature Film Competition Jury.

ANIAFF’s mission to advance both the culture and industry of animation worldwide strongly aligns with ASIFA-Hollywood’s. I look forward to seeing this international relationship grow and flourish.

Aubry Mintz, Executive Director

Also joining the jury are Pénélope Bagieu, the acclaimed bande dessinée author and illustrator known for works such as Brazen, and Shuzo John Shiota, President and CEO of Polygon Pictures, who has received Annie Awards for his work on Tron: Uprising and “Jibaro” from Love, Death & Robots Season 3.

Women in Animation (WIA), the leading non-profit organization promoting gender equity in animation, VFX, and gaming, will collaborate with ANIAFF on a special program titled “Women in Animation in Japan.” The session will highlight the contributions of women in animation both in Japan and internationally, and encourage dialogue on inclusion and representation in the industry.

For more information, visit: aniaff.com/en/

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In its debut year, the New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) attracted 500 submissions from 40 countries, standing out from traditional festivals by promoting every submitted film through its official platforms and dividing entries by age and category to ensure fair competition.

Held at The Bryant Park Hotel in New York City, the festival has quickly distinguished itself as one of the most inclusive and fast-growing animation showcases on the global stage.

A Global Celebration of Creative Excellence

The inaugural edition featured a diverse spectrum of animation, from hand-drawn and stop-motion to 3D and experimental works, with entries from both renowned studios and emerging creators.

Notable contributors included Miyu Distribution, The Animation Project (TAP), Asians in Animation, Interlochen Center for the Arts, PROJECT FRAME from CINANIMA, and collectives such as Constituting America, Light House Studio, and VANIMA.

Distinguished artists Aaron Blaise, Malcolm Lamont, Mark Roberts, and Kate Bush joined talents Jorge Baldeón, Sijin Liu, and Morgan Young to showcase exceptional storytelling and visual craft.

At the closing ceremony, NYSAF announced its Annual Winners:

• Snow Bear – Aaron Blaise
• Foil Guy vs ANVIL – Malcolm Lamont
• Hept – Jorge Baldeón
• Sakura Gansha – Sijin Liu

Additional screenings featured works such as I Took My Avocado to Aspen Colorado (Mark Roberts), Rubber on the Ropes (Erim “Xolo” Cetinel), The Corridor (Kourosh Mohammadi), Boys Night in Sidera Institute (Adam Musa Othman), and the closing film Stoned for Christmas (Morgan Young).

Fairness and Visibility at the Core

Founded and directed by Wallis Liu, a New York–based digital artist and international animation juror, NYSAF was built on a clear vision: to make exposure and fairness the foundation of an animation festival.

Unlike traditional events that spotlight only a select few, NYSAF ensures that every submitted film has a genuine chance to be seen. Each work is featured and promoted through the festival’s social-media channels, giving students, professionals, and independent creators multiple opportunities for visibility throughout the year.

The festival’s four-season competition model further expands opportunity: each quarter crowns its own winners, who then advance to an annual championship in New York City.

As both a creator and a juror, I understand how much effort goes into every frame. At NYSAF, we make sure every film gets the chance to be seen — and I hope this festival can open new opportunities and possibilities for animators around the world.

Wallis Liu, Co-Founder & Executive Director of NYSAF

Liu’s experience as a jury member for multiple international animation festivals helped shape NYSAF’s transparent and inclusive structure, a model increasingly recognized by peers for its creator-first approach.

Expanding Global Partnerships

Following its successful debut, NYSAF will expand to ten screenings in 2026 and deepen its international reach.

Through a new collaboration with Cine Universitario UACJ in Mexico, selected films will receive additional screening opportunities abroad, with further partnerships in discussion across Europe and Asia.

Redefining the Animation-Festival Landscape

By combining a multi-season structure with year-round promotion and fair competition, NYSAF represents a modern shift in the animation-festival ecosystem — one that values accessibility, continuous engagement, and global connection.

This innovative framework, pioneered under Liu’s direction, reflects a growing movement toward festivals that champion transparency and genuine opportunity for all creators.

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The figures show that we are addressing a need in the industry, and also that it entails a huge effort to put on a new edition of this magnitude every year. An event like Weird involves very high costs, and we have been working for years to ensure that the financial factor is not a limitation and that the Market is accessible to everyone. It is important that the sector continues to have a place to meet and generate synergies.

-José Luis Farias (Director, Weird Market)

Between September 30 and October 5, Valencia became the focal point for hundreds of professionals who participated in presentations, talks, B2B meetings, a recruitment day, and screenings. The 2025 edition was marked by a change in focus that has placed emphasis on intellectual property, beyond genres or formats. Says Farias:

We have a great creative potential that in recent years has been showing its muscle internationally. Talent is there, and that is helping to overcome any barriers or prejudices. What really matters are the ideas and how they are developed.

After 17 years of experience, Weird Market is a meeting point, a place for decision-making, and a talent scout where market trends and dynamics are anticipated.

One of the highlights of this edition was the roundtable discussion entitled “The Future of Spanish Animation,” a professional meeting organized by DIBOOS that was attended by representatives from the President’s Office, ICEX, CDTi, Spain Audiovisual HUB, SEDIA, the Ministry of Culture, ICAA, and RTVE. The meeting sought to draw up a medium- and long-term plan through connections and strategies with common objectives for the industry.

This year, the Spanish Federation of Animation and Visual Effects Producers (DIBOOS) chose this event to present the “Honorary Diboos Award,” which this year went to director Enrique Gato, creator of one of the highest-grossing film series in Spanish cinema: Tadeo Jones.

34,000 EUROS IN PRIZES AND 13 IPs AWARDED

The event also awarded prizes worth 34,000 euros, with 13 IPs standing out among short films and short film projects, series, and video games. One of the biggest developments in this area was the presentation of the first RTVE-Weird Market Talent Award for Best Animated Short Film Project, valued at 25,000 euros thanks to the support of the public broadcaster. The work that inaugurated this section was Moosika by Víctor Monigote and Esther Yañez.

In this same category, the Movistar Plus+ Short Project Award went to Only Rats by Paz del Carre, the Best Young Creator Series Project Award (Annecy-MIFA) went to Kipaut Survival Guide by Nuria Mañosa Vázquez, and another new addition, the International Talent Jury Award for a debut film or international school short film, went to Balconada by Bulgarian director Iva Tokmakchieva.

In the video games category, the RTVE/Fallo de Sistema Awards went to Numbra (Best Video Game Project), Parkoff! (Most Innovative Video Game), and Jordi & Oslo: La Cua Perduda (Weird Plus Video Game).

Meanwhile, the winners of WFest were Shadows, Percebes and When it comes (it will have your eyes) which were selected by the jury, and Jervasio, the audience’s pick.

The 17th edition of Weird Market is primarily sponsored by Creative Europe MEDIA, the Valencia City Council and Valencia Innovation Capital, with the participation of Acción Cultural Española through the Program for the Internationalization of Spanish Culture (PICE). It is also supported by RTVE, Movistar Plus+, Valencia Game City, HP, Tangram Solutions, the Valencian Institute of Culture attached to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Universities and Employment, BCN Game Fest, DIBOOS, AVEPA, and Animat among others.

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Manchester Animation Festival’s Animation Nation Forum (ANF) is always one of my favourote parts of the week. After watching some great short films and maserclasses, it is a welcome break to take a full day away from the festival environment and immerse myself fully in the more ‘industry’ side of things. Taking place all day at Bridgewater Hall on Wednesday 12th November. the ANF gives animation professionals a chance to hear what is happening throughout the industry, and where things are heading next.

With the difficult period that the industry seems to be going through of late, the lively and insightful ANF brings together a host of speakers to answer some of the hot topics and questions facing the industry as we see off 2025 and head into a fresh 2026…

In the Frame: The Future Normal

The past 5 years have seen seismic changes to the animation landscape; not only for how it is made, but also how it is consumed. Experts will explore how creators and studios are adapting to this rapidly evolving landscape and discuss what sustainability looks like in a digital first, direct to audience world. This event will examine how these massive creative, commercial and cultural shifts are creating a new normal for animation businesses. Panel guests include:

• James Cameron — Creative Director and co-founder of Imaginakery, developing innovative family-focused IP like Jungle Squad.
• Rob Doherty — Veteran of children’s TV and animation, founder of festivus and FSTVS recruitment service.
• Darran Garnham — Licensing and merchandising expert, founder of Toikido, bringing hit games and original IP from screen to shelf.

State of the Animation Nation

Presenting the State of the Animation Nation roundtable discussion; a session where a spectrum of animation’s finest paint a contemporary picture of the animation industry by answering a wide range of hard hitting questions. This panel is a space to reflect on the challenges and triumphs that the industry has been subject to, and what may lay ahead. Panel guests include:

• Andrew Ruhemann — Oscar-winning filmmaker and founder of Passion Pictures, behind The Lost Thing, Gorillaz, and acclaimed documentaries.
• Julio Bonet — Director of Animation Series (UK & EMEA) at Netflix, driving international hits from Blue Eye Samurai to Ricky Gervais’s upcoming Alley Cats.
• Camilla Deakin — Award-winning producer and co-founder of Lupus Films, known for beautifully crafted adaptations like Ethel & Ernest and The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
• Kate O’Connor — Senior screen industries consultant and Executive Chair of Animation UK, representing and advocating for the UK’s animation sector.

State of the Animation Nation (2024)

Animation Nation Forum (ANF)

Running alongside the ANF is the annual MAF Marketplace, which allows companies, animation, and educators to showcase their work and meet the festival delegates. The marketplace is free and open to all. – just drop in.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The post Animation Nation Forum (ANF) at Manchester Animation Festival – Top Picks for 2025 appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

Kafka. In Love – by Zane Oborenko (Best Nordic–Baltic Short Film)

Saturday night at Fredrikstad Animation Festival is when the celebrations reach their peak. The awards ceremony honors the films and creators who have defined this year’s edition — storytellers who stretch the limits of animation and remind us why this artform continues to evolve and inspire.

After days of screenings, conversations, and creative exchange, the festival community gathers to celebrate outstanding achievements across the Nordic–Baltic region and beyond. From visionary newcomers to established names, the 2025 competition has once again revealed the depth, diversity, and daring of contemporary animation.

The FAF 2025 Award Winners were announced during the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, 25 October, and is followed by an all-night celebration with filmmakers, guests, and festival friends.

If you missed some of the award winning titles, join us for the Winners’ Screening on Sunday, 26 October at 16:00, as Sunday brings a final day filled with screenings, encounters, and the shared joy of animation.

FAF 2025 Award Winners

Grand Prix

The Night Boots
Dir: Pierre-Luc Granjon
France, 2024

Jury statement: A magical journey into a child’s inner world at night, in search of monsters but finding friendship and comfort.

Audience Award

Voi and Destroy
Dir: William Picot, Simen Hindenes, Magnus Myren, William Opdal
Norway, 2025

Best Nordic–Baltic Short Film

Kafka. In Love
Dir: Zane Oborenko
Czech Republic, Latvia, 2024

Jury statement: Visceral portrayal of a writer’s inner life and turmoil which astonished the jury with its beauty and craftsmanship.

Best Nordic–Baltic Feature Film

Dog of God
Dir: Lauris Abele, Raitis Abele
Latvia, USA, 2025

Jury statement: The award goes to a bold and brave film that forces its audience to endure a story of excess and abuse of power. It pushes boundaries – both ours as audience and the expectations of animation. We hope this film can infect the Nordic-Baltic animation landscape. It’s a film that makes no compromises and refuses to please its audience. Through medieval horror comedy, the film mirrors uncomfortable questions we are facing today.

Special Mention – Feature Film

Fleak
Dir: Jens Møller
Finland, 2025

Jury statement: This Special Mention is awarded to a film that addresses young audiences with respect and sensitivity – speaking to them in an engaging visual language. The filmmakers make full use of the expressive power of animation, creating a vivid fantasy world that mirrors and supports the inner lives of the main characters during a complex moment of transformation. Through the skillful combination of all these elements, the film delivers a compelling visual adventure for the whole family.

Best Global Short Film

Papillon
Dir: Florence Miailhe
France, 2024

Jury statement: Uniquely painted frames bring this story to life as a swimmer reflects back on his dramatic life through the theme of water.

Best Nordic–Baltic Student Film

Cycle of Violence: Puppy Please!
Dir: Felicia Anna Aurora Bergström
Germany, 2024

Jury statement: A vivid and emotional monologue portraying a spiral of joy, anger, sorrow, regret, and desperation. The chosen technique supports the story beautifully and makes it visually strong and unexpected.

Best Nordic–Baltic Young Audience Film

Ballad of Halima
Dir: Mikkel Mainz
Denmark, 2025

Jury statement: The film we liked best has an interesting story and exciting music that gave us a vivid glimpse into a mythical world. We appreciated the design, the magical creatures, and the overall visual expression. The winner is Ballad of Halima.

Special Mention – Young Audience Film

Panorama
Dir: Nicolaj Larsson
Denmark, 2025

Jury statement: Our Special Mention goes to a film that is very beautiful, with incredible music and lovely animation. We enjoyed the creative madness that made us think of “PANORAMA.”

Best Nordic–Baltic Children’s Film

Simon Small
Dirs: Yaprak Morali & Are Austnes
Norway, Sweden, Denmark, 2024

Jury statement: The film we liked best has a magical story. It’s a sweet short film with fine details – a little funny and a little special.

Special Mention – Children’s Film

Service Bus
Dir: Elmer Mikael Lødemel
Denmark, 2024

Jury statement: This film is “completely crazy” — dangerously funny! The runner-up is Service Bus.

Best Nordic–Baltic Commissioned Film

What We Leave Unsaid
Dir: Tord Theodor Olsen
Norway, 2025

Jury statement: With subtle emotion and a smartly crafted animation style, this film gently evokes empathy while balancing it with a touch of humor. Its authenticity and diverse cast of characters offer a touching glimpse into the life of children. Low-key yet powerful, the film leaves a lasting impression long after the screening.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This year, the Fredrikstad Animation Festival Lifetime Achievement Award goes to the Swedish animator, director, and illustrator Olof Landström. Read more here.

Congratulations to all filmmakers and teams represented in this year’s competition program – and especially to all the award winners!

The post Fredrikstad Animation Festival 2025 Announces Award Winners appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

With so much going on at this year’s Manchester Animation Festival, it would be easier to write a top 5 list for each day of the festival, instead of a one that covers the whole 5 days. MAF 2025 kicks off on Sunday 9^th November with its traditional Family Day, and stretches all the way to the evening of Thursday 13^th November when the awards ceremony and party will wrap up a week of animation.

However, as the title of this article stipulates, I have had to make some firm decisions, and have put together my five highlights of the festival that I am most looking forward to. Sadly, artist talks with Will Anderson and Anna Ginsburg did not make the list (although I won’t be missing these!), and neither did The Art of the Ad, which will explore the craft behind commercials. Without further ado…

1. Animated Answers: Kick Start Your Animation Career
   10 Nov 2025 at 10:30

   About the event: Breaking in feels tougher than ever, but this one cuts through the noise. Early-career pros share how they actually got hired, what tripped them up, and the practical moves that made a difference. Real talk, real tactics, and a confidence boost to kick-start your own path.

   

   An Animated Answers panel event

2. Neurodiversity in Animation: Unlocking Creative Potential
   10 Nov 2025 at 15:45

   About the event: Join Aardman Animations and Flycheese Studio for an inspiring conversation on the value of neurodiverse minds in animation. We’ll explore the creativity and fresh perspectives neurodiverse talent brings to the industry, while also addressing the biases and barriers often faced. Discover how studios can build more inclusive environments, where every voice has the chance to thrive.

3. How it Works: Breaking through on YouTube
   11 Nov 2025 at 14:30

   About the event: Audiences are scrolling, not channel-hopping. This session maps the current YouTube reality and what the platform wants, how creators grow without a broadcaster, and how institutions are adapting. The panel brings together industry professionals and rising creatives, alongside voices from YouTube itself, to discover what it takes to thrive in this fast-moving space.

4. Keeping Things Creative in an AI World
   13 Nov 2025 at 12:30

   About the event: The idea of including AI in digital animation workflows has shifted from an avoidable option to an ever-present integration. Rapid change raises pressing issues, such as how to prioritise and safeguard artists. Which structures can guarantee moral behaviour? And how can individuals and studios improve their skills without sacrificing their creative vision? This panel brings together industry experts to discuss pressing issues, break down hybrid workflows, and share practical steps for working ethically in a rapidly changing landscape.

   

   Keeping Things Creative in an AI World

5. WIA UK: Where we go from here
   13 Nov 2025 at 15:30

   About the event: We reflect on the career journeys of three directors and creatives, and how they’ve navigated the animation industry as women. Despite the progress our industry has made in terms of representation, the Names Will Be Made discourse has shown us that there’s more work to be done to support women and underrepresented genders in animation. With Neeraja Raj, She Drew That’s Hannah Lau-Walker, Lindsey Adams, and Rosa Kennedy. For more context, see our recent piece: Women on Screen, Men in Charge: The Industry’s Open Secret

Northwestivus networking/social gathering at the Manchester Animation Festival

One of the things I love about MAF is the networking opportunities it offers, and I don’t think there has been as many varied and frequent events as there are this year. Whichever days you find yourself at MAF this year, be sure to tag along and grab a beer/coffee/tea at one of the many social gatherings:

• BlackFrame Networking – 11 Nov 2025 at 17:45
• MAFter Dark (18) – 11 Nov 2025 at 21:00
• Northwestivus – 12 Nov 2025 at 18:00
• Skwigly Quiz – 12 Nov 2025 at 20:30
• WIA (Women in Animation) UK Meetup – 13 Nov 2025 at 16:45
• The AfterMAF – 13 Nov 2025 at 21:30

The Skwigly team look forward to seeing you there!

The post 5 Events Not to Miss at Manchester Animation Festival 2025 appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

The Niigata International Animation Festival—which launched in 2023 and has quickly established its position as one of Asia’s leading feature-length animation film festivals—is proud to announce its fourth edition with a renewed direction and organizational structure. This transition comes as the festival honors the legacy of its founder, Kenzo HORIKOSHI, who passed away suddenly in June of this year.

Kenzo Horikoshi made immeasurable contributions to the Japanese film and education communities. He was known for producing films by renowned live-action directors such as Leos Carax and Abbas Kiarostami. He was also instrumental in founding:

• The Film School of Tokyo
• The Graduate School of Film and New Media at Tokyo University of the Arts (alumni include Ryusuke Hamaguchi)
• Eurospace, a pioneering Japanese art-house cinema

Additionally, he served as an Emeritus Professor at Kaishi Professional University.

Following his passing and a change in the previous director team, the festival is entering a new phase. Its primary objective is now to:

“Discover and strongly support emerging talent who will lead the animation industry, while promoting both local and international collaboration.”

Competition Revamp: Newcomer Award and Distribution Grant Established

To increase international exposure for young creators and provide sustainable support for their work, the festival is significantly restructuring its competition.

1. Feature Film Category (40 minutes or longer)

This category continues to focus on feature-length animated films, but now includes a newly established distribution grant system for the Grand Prix winner.

• Fully Invited System: The selected director or producer will be fully invited, with travel and accommodation expenses to Niigata covered. This is designed to enhance networking and exposure opportunities with Japanese industry professionals.
• Distribution Support Fund: The Grand Prix winner will receive a ¥500,000 JPY distribution support fund (approximately $3,200 USD) to be used by the distributor for the film’s release in the Japanese domestic market. This provides financial backing for entering the Japanese market.

2. Indie Box Category (Newly Established)

Created for mid-length works (15 minutes or longer, but less than 40 minutes)—a format that has historically had limited opportunities for recognition at animation festivals.

• This category will evaluate and recognize well-directed, story-driven works.
• A single episode from a series is also eligible.
• The Grand Prix is designated as the “Swan Award”, which includes a ¥500,000 JPY production support fund for the winner’s next project (approximately $3,200 USD).

3. Newcomer Award: “Senkrechtstarter Award” (Newly Established)

A new award for emerging talent, the “Senkrechtstarter Award”, will be established for selected individuals across both the Feature Film and Indie Box categories.

(Note: “Senkrechtstarter” is a German term meaning “vertical starter,” often used to describe a sudden, high-flying success or high-potential newcomer.)

New Leadership and Strengthened Local Partnership

This year marks the first time the festival will be co-hosted by Niigata City (Organizer: Niigata International Animation Festival / Co-host: Niigata City), signaling a strengthened commitment to cooperation with the host city.

• Hyoe NARITA (former President of VIZ Media Europe), who succeeded the late Kenzo Horikoshi as Dean of the Manga and Animation Department at Kaishi Professional University, has been appointed as the Executive Committee Chairman.
• Program Directors will be jointly served by:
  • Makoto HOJO, Representative Director and current Manager of Eurospace
  • Tao NASHIMOTO (Sunny Rain), film director based in Niigata
  • Masayuki UCHIDA, Representative of the anime studio “Niigata Animation”

Academic personnel from Niigata will be actively involved in the selection and programming teams to ensure a balance between local and international perspectives.

Additionally, Nobuaki DOI (Founder and CEO of New Deer / Producer for the festival Hiroshima Animation Season / Visiting Professor at Kaishi Professional University) has been appointed as the General Advisor.

Doi—who was deeply involved in launching both the New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival and the Hiroshima Animation Season—will provide strong support for the festival’s new strategic direction.

Expansion of the International Talent Development and Exchange Program

The Niigata Animation Camp, which has been a staple since the first edition, will be further expanded with the cooperation of the Asia Film Alliance Network (AFAN).

• In addition to creating opportunities for young talent (from Asia and Japan) to attend the festival by inviting them, a new 2-week workshop course will be established.
• Young creators from Asia will collaborate on animation production with the support of AFAN.
• The festival will focus on the international development and discovery of a wider range of talent, from young professionals to seasoned veterans across Asia and Japan.

The festival will also collaborate with the Niigata Anime and Manga Valley Initiative, promoted by the NSG Group, to establish Niigata as an international hub for animation.

The post Niigata International Animation Festival Announces New Structure and Revamped Competition Focused on Emerging Talent appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

With the participation of: Elena Gobernado, María Pulido, Rebeca Núñez, JuanMa Laguna, Alex Mouron, and Juan Carlos Concha (pitch advisor).

From October 21 to 25, 2025, Valencia will host the 13th edition of the International Festival of Emerging Talent in Animated Film, Prime the Animation!, held this year under the theme “Memories”, an invitation to reflect on individual and collective memory. The festival’s visual identity and animated bumper were created by Alex Mouron, winner of the previous edition.

The festival opens on October 21 at the Filmoteca Valenciana with the screening of the French animated feature Linda Wants Chicken, a humorous story evoking childhood memories.

Professional Jury

The jury includes renowned professionals:

• Alex Mouron, winner of the previous edition.
• María Pulido, art director with extensive experience in shorts and features.
• Elena Gobernado, screenwriter for films, series, and other formats.

Awards

Short films will compete for the following prizes:

• Best International Short Film: Trophy and €1,300, awarded by Fundación Cañada Blanch.
• Best Experimental Short Film: Trophy and Dragonframe license (stop-motion software with USB keypad).
• Best National Short Film (Filmin Award): Annual Filmin subscription and professional animation/design software license.
• Audience Award: Trophy and 3-month professional software license.
• Best Project Diploma (2 projects): Diploma and professional accreditation for MIFA (Annecy, France).
• Gifafío Diploma (UPV Animation Club): Diploma and club kit.
• Best Poster of Competing Shorts: Award granted by the UPV Master’s in Design and Illustration.

Animated bumpers created by various national schools will also be screened. Winning shorts will be shown at the closing ceremony on October 26 at 20:15 at the Filmoteca Valenciana (free entry with ticket reservation online or at the box office).

Official Selection Screenings

Competition short films will be screened in morning sessions at the Faculty of Fine Arts Auditorium (UPV) on October 22, 23, and 24. Each program lasts approximately 50 minutes and showcases diverse techniques, visual styles, and narratives. Talks with industry professionals will follow each session.

Professional Talks

Scoring for Animated Shorts: Collaboration between students from UPV’s Master in Animation and Berklee College of Music Valencia’s Scoring Master.

Creating the PTA!13 Animation, by Alex Mouron.

Animating Abroad, with Rebeca Núñez and JuanMa Laguna.

Art Direction in Animation Projects, by María Pulido.

Cañas y Frames: Portfolio Reviews & RED FAN Screening

On Thursday, October 23, one-on-one meetings will be held (open call via the festival website), followed by a networking space with drinks to foster collaboration. The day ends with a screening of animated shorts from the RED FAN network.

Pitch Session

On Saturday, October 25, at the CaixaForum Valencia Auditorium, six selected projects (from over 28 submissions) will be pitched to industry professionals, who will provide feedback. Two winning projects will receive professional accreditation for MIFA (Annecy, France), in collaboration with NonStop Barcelona Animació.Sedes y entradas

Venues & Tickets

Festival venues include: UPV Faculty of Fine Arts, Filmoteca IVC, CaixaForum Auditorium, and Centro Cultural Excorchador.

Activities at UPV and Excorchador are free until full capacity.

Tickets for Filmoteca screenings are available online or at the box office (student discounts apply).

Tickets for CaixaForum Auditorium can be purchased online.

A Festival for Emerging Talent

More than a professional event, Prime the Animation! is a platform to promote young creators in the animation industry. The RED FAN program will showcase works by emerging authors from Portugal, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Spain.

Prime the Animation! is the only international festival in Spain dedicated exclusively to new talent and debut works in animated cinema. This edition features participants from 28 countries, reinforcing the festival’s role as a space for creative exchange and professional development.

Organized by: Universitat Politècnica de València and the UPV Vice-Rectorate for Art, Science, Technology and Society, in collaboration with Fundación Cañada Blanch, Filmoteca Valenciana IVC, Faculty of Fine Arts, Drawing Department, UPV Master in Animation, CaixaForum Valencia, Generación Espontánea, Digital Divide and Functional Diversity Chair, and Centro Cultural Excorchador (Valencia City Council).

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For the first time, the programme will include Welsh and Japanese animated shorts side by side, as well as animation professional masterclasses from both countries. The Cardiff Animation Festival team will bring Welsh film to the festival at Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport which hosts Japan’s first ever airport movie theatre. As well as the coming together of festivals, director Nia Alavezos and animator Asaki Nishino are developing an animated short film that celebrates the cultural vibrancy of both Wales and Japan. Between both animators and festivals, the project will include a cultural exchange in Hokkaido: sharing working practices, nurturing a residency between creatives and delivering a programme of vibrant animation events.

On the upcoming collaboration, Director of New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival Tomoko Ono said:

We are honoured that Cardiff Animation Festival has given us, New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival, the opportunity to collaborate on projects together. Supported by our mutual love of animation, we are excited to curate exciting programs while interacting deeply online with members who live far away in Wales. The exchange program of fascinating animation from Wales with Japanese independent animation and the wonderful encounters with guests from Cardiff will be an exciting outcome for our festival. I sincerely hope that learning about the different ways of working in different countries will inspire filmmakers to create their next projects

As international exhibitors of independent animation, the partnership explores each other’s ways of working and championing animators from both countries. With rich animation histories and vibrant storytelling at the heart of both cultures, the project seeks to highlight how artists have been inspired by the countries they call home.

From stories about vengeful spirits to unique tales of love, fighting your inner demons, pet taxidermy, hide and seek and much more; the programme CAF will take to Japan celebrates weird and wonderful work born in Wales. Films include Affairs of the Art (2021) by Joanna Quinn, Hounds of Annwn (2023) by Beth Hughes and Bryony Evans and Creepy Pasta Salad (2019) by Cardiff Animation Festival Director Lauren Orme. Alongside our shorts programme, Producer, Writer and Director Nia Alavezos will run an animation masterclass in Hokkaido sharing insider knowledge about working in the animation industry in Wales, as well as insights and highlights from her own film career.

Laura Welsman from Cardiff Animation Festival adds:

We’re delighted to receive this opportunity to work closely with one of our favourite animation festivals on the other side of the world. Cardiff Animation Festival and New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival are deeply committed to cultural storytelling and bringing people together around a love of animation. This collaboration gives us a chance to share our journeys, working practices and curate Japanese work next to Welsh and Wales-based work towards an exciting programme.

New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival takes place in person from 21st – 25th November at New Chitose Airport. You can join in and watch the film screenings from anywhere in the world 1st – 8th December on Cardiff Animation Festival online platform Eventive.

Cardiff Animation Festival x New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival is funded by Wales Arts International, British Council and Welsh Government as part of the Year of Wales and Japan 2025, celebrating and strengthening connections across both countries. Find out more here.

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The six selected films and their directors are:

• Arco (Neon), dir. Ugo Bienvenu
• Elio (Pixar), dir. Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian
• In Your Dreams (Netflix), dir. Alex Woo
• KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix), dir. Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang
• Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (GKids), dir. Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han Jin Kuang
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2—Lost in New Jersey (Paramount Pictures), dir. Kent Seki

The panel has become a key destination for animated contenders during awards season, with previous participants including Academy Award nominees Inside Out 2, Memoir of a Snail, The Wild Robot, and Flow, the eventual Oscar winner. Presented by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the SCAD Savannah Film Festival will run from Oct. 25 through Nov. 1. Festival passes for 2025 are available now.

Individual event tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 3.

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Enrique Gato (Image via Weird)

Enrique Gato (Valladolid, 1977) is an animator and filmmaker who has managed to position animated cinema in Spain at the center of the industry’s attention. Co-founder of the Lightbox Academy studio and director of its animation department, his filmography includes feature films such as Atrapa la Bandera and the trilogy Las aventuras de Tadeo Jones (a fourth installment is already in the works). This Valladolid native has managed to fill movie theaters with viewers of all ages, raise millions of euros for the Spanish audiovisual industry, both nationally and internationally, and accumulate eight Goya Awards, multiple Gaudí Awards, and medals from the Writers’ Circle, the José María Forqué Award for Education in Values, as well as other distinctions at such prominent events as the Annecy Festival and the Platino Awards.

In his early days, Enrique worked as a character animator for various video game studios and trained as a computer engineer. His in-depth knowledge of 3D animation software enabled him to develop tools to streamline animation tasks, which are essential for his work on large productions. With the production company “La Fiesta,” he created his first short film for cinema, whose protagonist is a character clearly influenced by Indiana Jones, the most popular archaeologist and adventurer on the big screen. This work received the Goya Award for Best Animated Short Film, as well as 64 other national and international awards. A cultural icon created by Gato himself in 1999, which has traveled to more than 70 countries, breaking all kinds of records in Spanish animation.

In the global market, his productions have been seen all over the world, rivalling (in terms of number of theaters in the week of release) major Hollywood studios such as Pixar, Disney and DreamWorks. A clear example was Gato’s most recent film: Tadeo Jones 3: La tabla esmeralda, which grossed more than €20 million outside Spain, being released in 40 territories across five continents. The release came at a time when the impact of Covid-19 was still apparent, and audiences were reluctant to go to the cinema. Its premiere was a boost for both viewers and exhibitors, significantly increasing the share of domestic cinema in the final balance for the year.

The 17th edition of Weird Market is primarily sponsored by Creative Europe MEDIA, the Valencia City Council, Valencia Innovation Capital, with the participation of Acción Cultural Española through the Program for the Internationalization of Spanish Culture (PICE). It also receives support from RTVE, Movistar Plus+, Valencia Game City, HP, Tangram Solutions, the Valencian Institute of Culture attached to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Universities and Employment, BCN Game Fest, DIBOOS, AVEPA, and Animat, among others.

See the full program at weirdmarket.es/

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ANIMATED ENCOUNTERS GRAND PRIX

The Animated Encounters Grand Prix is the top international award for animation short films at the Encounters Film Festival. The winning film receives a £2,000 cash prize.

Winner: Two Black Boys in Paradise, dir. Baz Sells | United Kingdom

Animated Encounters Grand Prix jury statement:

A bold and beautiful film that bravely dives into layered thematic waters while also managing the logistical challenge of stop-motion animating bonking on a boat. The peeping peacock was a favourite playful flourish in a work that’s both daring and tender.

Special Mention: Hurikán dir. Jan Saska | Czech Republic, France, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Animated Encounters Grand Prix jury statement:

Hilariously delightful narrative and crisp design. Through a complete belief in its language of choice, the fully realised characters speak multitudes without uttering a single word. With that said, Na Zdravi!

BEST OF BRITISH ANIMATION

The Best of British Animation Award is the top national award for animated short films at the Encounters Film Festival. The winning filmmaker will receive a £500 cash prize.

Winner: Dédé (Ancestor) dir. Yasmine Djedje-Fisher-Azoume | United Kingdom

Jury statement:

This fresh exploration of the divine feminine within the artist’s Bété ancestry was an invigorating blend of analogue and digital techniques. The use of copper relief engravings – echoing the metalwork of the Ivory Coast – was particularly exciting to see, a rare technique executed beautifully.

AUDIENCE AWARD

The Audience Award is the only award voted for by the Encounters Film Festival audience. This year, 3143 ballots were recorded. The winning filmmaker will receive a £500 cash prize.

Winner: Hunting dir. Lea Favre | Switzerland

DEPICT AWARD

Depict is a super-short film competition running since 1998 as part of Encounters Film Festival. It challenges filmmakers to create 90-second films. The winning filmmaker will receive a £500 cash prize.

Winner: Full of Sh*t dir. Clarissa Kumala | United Kingdom

The live-action recipients of the 2025 Encounters awards are: The Last People by Nicolás Pindeus (Brief Encounters Grand Prix), Bill Morrison’s Incident (Documentary Encounters Grand Prix), There Will Come Soft Rains by Elham Ehsas (Best of British Live Action) and Notes From Planet Three by Simon Ellis (Children’s Jury winner).

Encounters is a globally renowned short film festival that takes place each September in Bristol, a UNESCO City of Film. Encounters is a qualifying festival for BAFTA, BIFA and the European Film Awards. It provides an international platform for celebrating talent and innovation in film, animation and TV.

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