Skwigly and AnimaFilm: A Celebration of British Animation

‘From the UK With Love’ – Skwigly Collaborates with AnimaFilm to Honor British Animation

– Skwigly Animation Magazine announces a new initiative in partnership with ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival, supported by the British Council.
– This cultural exchange project is aimed at enhancing dialogue between the UK and Azerbaijan through artistic collaborations.
– The project, named ‘From the UK With Love’, promises to showcase and celebrate British animation.

A New Chapter in International Animation Exchange

– Skwigly and AnimaFilm extend their collaboration to foster a platform for animation lovers in both countries.
– Animation projects fostering cross-cultural dialogue are being encouraged and supported by the British Council.
– The initiative is set for launch this month, promising to create a wave of British animation appreciation in Azerbaijan and beyond.

‘From the UK With Love’—An Ode to British Animation

– The initiative unequivocally expresses admiration for Britain’s animation industry.
– It aims to familiarize Azerbaijani audiences with distinct British animation styles and stories, nurturing mutual understanding and respect.
– It’s more than just a celebration; it’s about encouraging animators from both nations to collaborate and learn from each other.

And now, time for a dose of classic British wit, or as I like to call it, my “hot take”. Skwigly’s cross-cultural crusade with ANIMAFILM, all in the name of animation, is nothing less than a royal wedding! One might say Brits are attempting to teach Azerbaijanis about the fine art of afternoon tea, but swap the tea for some top-notch animation. It’s an animated marriage of nations, a ‘tea-mation’ if you like. Regardless of how you choose to see it, one thing’s for sure: this project is bound to be less about ‘Harry Potter’ spells and more about spreading animation magic!

Skwigly Animation Magazine is thrilled to unveil a unique intercultural project, developed in partnership with ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival, and backed by the British Council.

In our endeavor to foster more artistic conversations between the UK and Azerbaijan, we gratefully acknowledge the British Council’s support via the Culture Connects programme to facilitate creative ventures between the two nations throughout 2024/25. On 15-16 February this year, we are thrilled to unveil a two-day cinematic event that features UK films converging on the concept of Love. Moreover, noted animation producer and Skwigly’s co-owner, Aaron Wood will conduct two comprehensive seminars for animation enthusiasts, imparting his expertise and learnings to kindle and empower creators.

This two-day film fiesta will span various locations in the city, including the historical Nizami Cinema Center, established in the 1940s, making it one of the country’s oldest cinema venues.

The Historic Nizami Cinema Center (Source: Natella.M)

Why focus on Love? The 7th ANIMAFILM Festival held in October 2024, picked Love as its primary theme, recognizing this global sentiment’s power to motivate and connect people. As an extension of the 7th edition theme, we’ve handpicked 24 UK films that utilize animation to investigate the varied facets of love – be it familial, friendly, environmental, or love for storytelling. By spotlighting love, we seek to encourage empathy, comprehension, and a spirit of unity among spectators.

Having been part of the 7th ANIMAFILM edition last year, I am eagerly awaiting my return to Baku to showcase a collection of the finest British animated shorts to a new audience. I am grateful to the ANIMAFILM team for providing this wonderful opportunity and warm welcome – I look forward to interacting with and enlightening Azerbaijan’s blooming animation community on my experiences.

Aaron Wood, Producer at Slurpy Studios, Co-owner of Skwigly

Presenting the diversity and richness of British animation to Azerbaijani viewers is a phenomenal opportunity, especially as the works exploring varied aspects of Love cater to different age groups. Working with our curator Aaron Wood and collaborating with Skwigly has been a delightful journey, and we are excited to build a cultural bridge through the medium of animation!

Aydan Kazimova, Project Manager, ANIMAFILM Festival

Film Screenings & Step-by-step Tutorials

Screening 1: ANIMAFILM – UK Cinematic Love Story (18+)

Featured Films from the ‘UK Cinematic Love Story’ (18+) Screening

The inaugural screening will occur on Saturday, 15th February (2-4pm) at the historic Nizami Cinema Center in Baku. Every film will be displayed in the original language with Azerbaijani subtitles. The screening is classified as 18+ due to the mature themes of some films. The programme will feature:

  • Dreams and Desires: Family Ties (2006), Joanna Quinn
  • I’m OK (2018), Lizzie Hobbs
  • Dateless (2014), Remus Buznea, Kyriaki Kyriakou
  • Nigel (2020), Natasza Cetner
  • Your Mothers Are Mine (2017), Kim Noce
  • Grandad Was a Romantic (2019), Maryam Mohajer
  • A Love Story (2016), Anushka Kishani
  • Blind Date (2010), Nigel Davies
  • Hotel Kalura (2021), Sophie Koko Gate
  • Leaf Boat (2020), Efa Blosse-Mason
  • The Last Belle (2011), Neil Boyle

For additional details & tickets, click here.

Screening 2: ANIMAFILM – UK Cinematic Love Story (7+)

Film Preview from ‘UK Cinematic Love Story’ (7+) Screening

The second screening will take place on Sunday 16th February (2-4pm) at the Nizami Cinema Center in Baku. All films will be shown in their original language, supplemented with Azerbaijani subtitles and are appropriate for families and children above the age of 7. The programme will include:

  • The Day I Became a Bird (2023), Andrew Ruhemann
  • Espero? (2013), Simone Giampaolo
  • Chickens (2017), George Wu
  • Poles Apart (2017), Paloma Baeza
  • Croak (2018), Frida Ek
  • Deeper Still (2024), Max Callaby
  • The Owl and the Pussycat (2020), Mole Hill
  • Toto Bona Lokua – Ma Mama (2017), Katy Wang
  • The Lonely Mountain (2016), Charlie Miller
  • Father and Daughter (2000), Michael Dudok de Wit
  • Lynx & Birds (2017), Simone Giampaolo
  • The Promise (2020), Chi Thai
  • Tanked (2021), Duncan Rudd

For additional details & tickets, click here.

Tutorial 1: Animation Production – Producer’s Role & Significance

On Saturday 15th February (11am-1pm), Aaron Wood, known for his experience in film production and ownership of Skwigly, will put forth the principles of creating animation at ANİMAFİLM Studio.

Aaron is presenting Baku’s ambitious individuals seeking a career in production an exceptional chance to learn from his journey that spans over 15 years in the industry. In this captivating tutorial, he will cover a producer’s vital duties, including budgeting, scheduling, pipeline handling, marketing, and offer useful advice about advancement in production.

For additional details & tickets, click here.

Tutorial 2: Pitching Your Animation Concept – From Initial Storyboards to Production

On Sunday 16th February (11am-1pm), Aaron Wood will share his insights on pitching an animation project at ANİMAFİLM Studio.

Aaron, an industry veteran with 20 years of experience, will unravel the art of pitching an animation project, guiding creators about converting their innovative concepts into reality. This two-part seminar will cover pitch essentials, structure, industry standard pitch preparation, prospective partners, relevant events, and more. Don’t miss out on this priceless opportunity to learn the practices of successful pitching!

For additional details & tickets, click here.

About ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival

Committed to promoting creativity via animated film, ANIMAFILM believes in animation’s power to unite people and affect societal changes positively. Since 2018, the ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival has evolved into a global platform organized annually. It unites children, youth, animation directors, and studios, introduces them to global experiences, connects them with local and international animation experts, and showcases hundreds of animated films. Further, it features masterclasses, conferences, concerts, performances, and exhibitions. In 2024, ANIMAFILM was accepted into the reputed BAFTA Qualifying Festivals List for the British Short Animation category.


Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/from-the-uk-with-love-skwigly-partners-with-azerbaijans-animafilm-to-celebrate-british-animation-this-month/