Unveiling the Exciting Lineup for the 10th Manchester Animation Festival (MAF) 2024. Get ready for the UK’s Premier Animation Event, which will showcase an array of globally acclaimed animated films. Patreon subscribers can grab tickets from Wednesday 25th September, while the general sale starts on Friday 27th September at 11am. Avail early bird offers until Monday 14th October through www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk. Watch out for more details unveiling soon!

As an Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying event, the 10th MAF promises a pantheon of animation industry giants, presenting a stellar lineup of screenings, panels, workshops, masterclasses, and in-depth sessions across Manchester’s prime locations.

Rendezvous with Wallace & Gromit: Embark on a new epic adventure with Aardman’s Oscar-winning director Nick Park and Emmy nominee Merlin Crossingham, coming soon! 

Delve into exclusive insights shared by renowned filmmaker Chris Sanders on his latest film Wild Robot. Get set to interact with Wallace & Gromit creators Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham. Revel in the special screening of The Thief and the Cobbler and enjoy a rendezvous with producer Imogen Sutton. MAF’s Animation Nation Forum is set to bustle with industry-focused events. Engage in the family-centric day and the return of the marketplace at the Bridgewater Hall.

Holiday Special: That Christmas (Image: Netflix)

MAF’s behind-the-scene sessions aim to provide a broad understanding of global-scale animation production. For instance, explore the making of That Christmas (Netflix) with designer Justin Hutchinson-Chatburn. Enjoy a special pre-Netflix release screening of the film based on Richard Curtis’s trilogy. Also, delve into the authenticity of the dual-heritage British Asian sitcom, Nikhil & Jay produced by CBeebies.

Join thought-provoking sessions like ‘Climate and Nature On Screen’ , ‘Animated Answers: Doing IP Properly‘, ‘Short Film Directors Q&A ‘ and UK/UA Animation Lab Project Presentation for enhancing concepts and knowledge.

Experience the charm of MAF’s family day on the 10th November 2024. Enjoy events like the BBC Box Set and Short Films For Children, and watch some of the world’s finest short animations amidst a family-friendly environment. Participate in the The Young Animator of the Year UK Awards ceremony for young animators aged 11-18 from around the UK.

Watch out for the competition on feature films: Memoir of a Snail, Flow, Black Butterflies, Sultana’s Dream and Sauvages.

MAF makes a splash with Adult Swim featuring series from their upcoming content. Exciting shows include Common Side Effects, Invincible Fight Girl, Women Wearing Shoulder Pads and YOLO: Rainbow Trinity.

Also, gear up as Epic Games takes you on an unreal journey into the world of Unreal Engine, while Moho presents a fresh outlook on 2D animation.

Join MAF’s annual award ceremony, hosted by Alasdair Beckett-King, on the 14th November 2024 to commemorate films, short films, student films, and more.

Words from Steve Henderson, Festival Director:

“This decade-long journey is a tribute to all the talent showcased in Manchester, and it’s with immense pride and joy that we announce our 10th MAF. The previous editions have shaped us into the UK’s biggest animation festival, attracting animators and enthusiasts globally. This year’s festival is a testament to the rich legacy we’ve built so far. We’re excited for our big 10th, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone this November!”

The Manchester Animation Festival is supported by Higher Education Partner University of Salford, Festival Partner HOME, Hotel Partner Maldron Hotels and Patrons including Adult Swim, BBC Children’s & Education, BBC Studios, Blue Zoo, Epic Games, Maxon, Moho and Netflix.

Grab Your Tickets Starting Friday 27 September at www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk