Manchester Animation Festival’s Animation Nation Forum (ANF) Comes to Town

Key Points

– The Manchester Animation Festival will once again host its influential Animation Nation Forum (ANF).
– The ANF absorbs the ‘industry’ side of the festival, giving attendees a more comprehensive experience.
– Attendees can look forward to masterclasses and impressive short films at the event.
– The event provides a welcome break from the festival, allowing guests to immerse themselves solely in the industry aspect.

My Hot Take

Introducing ANF: The Animation Lovechild of Business and Pleasure

Looks like Manchester Animation Festival is taking “all work and no play” out of animation! The Animation Nation Forum (ANF) – aka the UN conference of the animation world – is back in town. If animation were a country, ANF would probably be its parliament. This is not your regular festival fun fare, instead, it’s a full-day getaway for all those animation aficionados who like their cartoons served with a side of industry insights. Bring on the masterclasses and the short films, because at ANF, learning comes in 3D! But hey, don’t forget to wear 3D glasses otherwise, you might just miss the point! Watch out 2025, ANF is set to deliver a blend of fun and industry acumen that’s as exciting as a Pixar plot twist!

The Animation Nation Forum (ANF) at Manchester Animation Festival is always a highlight of my festival week. It offers a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of short films and masterclasses, allowing me to delve deeper into the ins and outs of the animation industry. This year’s ANF will take place at Bridgewater Hall on Wednesday, November 12th, providing a platform for animation professionals to gain insights on industry trends and forecasts.

In light of recent industry challenges, the ANF gathers a panel of industry insiders to shed light on the burning issues and emerging trends as we move from 2025 to 2026.

Mapping the Future: The Next Normal in Animation

With the significant shifts in the animation industry over the past 5 years in production and consumption, this session explores how animators and studios are adapting to these changes and what sustainability means in a digital-first, direct-to-audience context. The panel will analyze the major artistic, commercial, and cultural shifts that are reshaping the industry. Panelists include:

James Cameron — Co-Founder and Creative Director of Imaginakery, creator of the popular family-centric IP Jungle Squad.
Rob Doherty — An industry veteran and founder of festivus and FSTVS, a recruitment service catered to animation.
Darran Garnham — Licensing and merchandising guru, founder of Toikido, a brand that bridges the gap between screen-based games and tangible merchandise.

Animation Nation: State of the Art

Animation Nation Forum (ANF)

In conjunction with ANF, the annual MAF Marketplace provides a stage for companies, animators, and educators to showcase their work and network with festival delegates. The marketplace is accessible and free for all – so drop by when you can!

We eagerly anticipate your attendance!

Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/animation-nation-forum-anf-at-manchester-animation-festival-top-picks-for-2025/