London International Animation Festival (LIAF 2025) Makes a Comeback!
– The London International Animation Festival (LIAF) is back for its 22nd year, stronger, bigger, and more animated than ever!
– This longest-running animation fiesta in the UK is a buffet of 27 different programs that cover all possible styles and techniques within the animation landscape.
– The festival is a perfect platform that spotlights talent ranging from twinkling, bright-eyed newbies to the time-tempered veterans in the field of animation.
Animation Enthusiasts Unite at LIAF 2025!
– In the spirit of supporting indie creation, this festival is an all-indie event.
– LIAF is the fuel to the engine of the UK’s animated industry, continuously raising the bar and pushing the industry’s creative boundaries.
Skwigly Animation Magazine Reports on LIAF’s Spectacular 22nd Return
– As reported by Skwigly Animation Magazine, LIAF’s 2025 iteration continues to foster creativity, celebrate diversity in animation styles, and provide a launching pad to up-and-coming animators.
In the Final Frames,
Well, keep your popcorn (and your 3D glasses, if you’re feeling extra) at the ready, folks, because LIAF is back with a new lease of life! It’s shaping up to be the animation industry’s version of the Super Bowl, except more colorful, less sweaty, and probably, a good deal more dramatic. From indie mavericks to animated veterans, the event shows that talent has no age limit – fantastic news for those who’d rather battle with a Wacom stylus than a Botox needle.
So, whether you’re a bright-eyed newbie getting your giddy 3D sea-legs or a veteran animator whose creative ideas have more layers than an onion, make sure you don’t miss LIAF 2025. After all, it’s not every day you get to witness the animation industry throwing the party of the year and, spoiler alert; they’ve definitely mastered the art of hosting. Much like our favorite animations, it’s back, leaving no frame unturned in its quest to make the world a more animated place.
Experience animation like never before at the London International Animation Festival (LIAF 2025)! UK’s grandest and most varied animation festival returns for its 22nd year with a spectacular display of styles, techniques, and genres in animation. This 10-day spectacle highlights the works of rising newcomers, established veterans, and everyone in between with a showcase of 240 superior animated shorts from 30 countries. Join us on a vivid voyage through the incredible world of animation!
Prepare yourself for an indulgent feast of the world’s most exceptional, imaginative and awe-inspiring animated films.
We are thrilled to present our live screenings at 5 notable London venues namely the Barbican, The Garden Cinema, The Horse Hospital, The Puppet Theatre Barge and Close Up Cinema.
Can’t make it to London? No worries, we have got you covered! The festival will be available globally through our online platform, making the best of independent animation accessible right from your home. Enjoy virtual screenings, free industry panels, audience voting and enlightening talks- all that LIAF is famous for.
Tune in daily from 28 November to 7 December to enjoy screenings and join live or pre-recorded panel discussions with leading animators and industry mavens.
Prepare yourself for enlightening perspectives on animation with our ambitious programme that challenges the typical understanding of animation as just 3D CGI blockbusters or kids’ cartoons. Experience the breathtaking variety in styles, techniques and productions within the world of independent animation at LIAF 2025!
Unveiling LIAF 2025
Opening Night Tribute to Emma Calder: A Celebration of Fierce Independence at Barbican Cinema
We are dedicating the opening night of LIAF 2025 to the late Emma Calder, a pioneering force for independent animation. Tonight, we celebrate her life and invaluable contributions with the world premiere of House of Love, a project she left unfinished due to a rare cancer diagnosis. We will also feature Retrospective, a detailed review of her groundbreaking works. Join us afterward for an enriching panel discussion on Emma’s enduring legacy.
8 International Competition Screenings- Brought to you by The Garden Cinema, The Puppet Theatre Barge, and The Horse Hospital
Delve into a variety of themes with our International competition screenings, featuring 77 films created by ingenious talents from the indie animation universe. Post-screening talks and introductions by notable filmmakers from around the globe await you.
The British Showcase – An insight into modern British animation at Barbican Cinema
Experience a vivid portrayal of contemporary British experiences through distinct artistic styles and innovative storytelling of independent British animated films. Don’t miss the chance to meet many of the animators and hear them talk about their films.
Disrupting the Narrative – Explore the Beauty of Resilience amidst Adversity at Barbican Cinema
Our programme will take viewers on unexpected journeys worldwide with 11 films that narrate stories about sustainable living. Join programmer Osbert Parker for a stimulating post-screening discussion.
Lesbian Space Princess (Feature Film): A Glittering Experience at The Garden Cinema
Experience Lesbian Space Princess, a love letter to queer resilience and magical relationships, which won the Teddy Award at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival. A stimulating blend of space opera, rom-com, and glitter-fuelled fever dream awaits you.
Are You OK? A Conversation about Destigmatising Mental Health at The Horse Hospital
Engage in an essential dialogue about mental health as we showcase a special collection of animated shorts that powerfully depict experiences of anxiety, depression, trauma, and personal growth.
Queer Shorts – A Celebration of Queer Lives at The Horse Hospital
Join us to celebrate queer lives and imaginations in our programme of short animated films that use animation as an effective medium for visibility, resistance, and imagination.
40 Years of RCA Animation: A Stroll Down Memory Lane at The Horse Hospital
Delve into nostalgia as we celebrate 40 years of RCA’s animated achievements, featuring an eclectic mix of acclaimed student films.
The Best of the Next: A Glimpse into the Future at The Horse Hospital
Catch a glimpse of 33 exceptional student animations from the best international film schools.
The Best of the Fest: Celebrating Talent at Barbican Cinema
Don’t miss the best of LIAF 2025, with a compilation of the best films as chosen by our audience and industry judges, wrapped up with a final screening!
Indulge in Free Online Panel Discussions
Gain insider access to five engaging panels covering hot topics in the animation industry at the 2025 UK Animation Industry Event!
Complete Programme Online Now!
Check out the full programme online at liaf.org.uk
Grab your tickets for in-venue screenings from the cinema box-offices or purchase passes for online screenings here
VIP PASS – £79 (access to 23 screenings and 5 talks)
CURATOR PASS – £39 (access to 8 screenings of your choice)
Individual tickets for online screenings – £5
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/london-international-animation-festival-liaf-2025-returns-for-its-22nd-year/