Enter a world of bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and unforgettable stories. With each film offering something different— provocative, funny, moving, or just plain cool. Perfect for burgeoning film fanatics who want to discover what’s happening beyond the mainstream, these shorts prove that great stories know no borders.
Sun 09 Nov 2025 - 09:00
Bring the whole family to our enchanting screening of animated short films from across the world, made for children (and adults!) to enjoy.
Sun 09 Nov 2025 - 10:00
Frida Kahlo is a little girl who is different. Sparkling and vibrant, everything interests her – no trial or tribulation is too great for her overflowing imagination. People of all ages will revel in this portrait of one of the world's most beloved artists.
Sun 09 Nov 2025 - 11:10
A perfect family? Siblings who get along? Yeah… in your dreams. A comedy adventure that follows Stevie and her brother Elliot as they journey into the absurd landscape of their own dreams. If the siblings can withstand a snarky stuffed giraffe, zombie breakfast foods, and the queen of nightmares, the Sandman will grant them their ultimate dream come true...the perfect family.
Sun 09 Nov 2025 - 13:20
Join us for journey into the heart of contemporary British animation and experience a unique cinematic showcase.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 10:15
The best animated short films from around the globe playing in competition at MAF.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 10:30
This relaxed screening is for a range of audience members who benefit from a less formal environment. Come and enjoy animation in your own way; with lower sound, space to move and a smaller audience.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 10:30
A dying prisoner reflects on his final summer of freedom in 1986, when he lived peacefully with a woman and her son surrounded by Housenka flowers. As death approaches, one of these flowers guides him through the gut-wrenching memories of his past as a yakuza.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 12:00
MAF proudly presents a chorus of new voices entering the world of animation; our showcase of student excellence screens short films that convey raw and powerful talent, that can only grow from here. Keep it in your calendars — these are the ones to watch.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 12:10
Celebrating over a quarter of a century of Cartoon Saloon we will be playing selections from their short film back catalogue back to back at Manchester Central Library. See how the studio has evolved and indulge in stylishly told tales delivering messages that will stay with you forever.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 12:30
A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 12:30
We go behind the scenes of the latest animated feature film from Netflix — In Your Dreams. Join Director Alex Woo in conversation with Festival Director Steve Henderson for a conversation filled with insight, clips and more. This session is a must for fans of high-quality feature animation.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 14:15
Bringing together a dynamic mix of techniques, storytelling styles, and platforms, this selection highlights the full spectrum of animation’s incredible versatility.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 14:25
A perfect family? Siblings who get along? Yeah… in your dreams. A comedy adventure that follows Stevie and her brother Elliot as they journey into the absurd landscape of their own dreams. If the siblings can withstand a snarky stuffed giraffe, zombie breakfast foods, and the queen of nightmares, the Sandman will grant them their ultimate dream come true...the perfect family.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 16:00
Those wonderful short films we see again and again — music videos, interstitials, adverts, explainers and more — demonstrate a wealth of animation styles and ideas.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 16:10
Join Mark Taynton, Head of Adult Swim EMEA, for a screening packed full of exclusive sneak peeks of episodes from forthcoming series including Smiling Friends, Haha, You Clowns and Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal, and other animated delights.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 18:15
After over two years in a vegetative state, a toddler suddenly awakens to the world around her — triggered by a piece of white chocolate. Follow Amélie's journey to becoming a little person in this beautiful, mature and oh so human depiction of the transition from infancy to childhood.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 18:30
Futures collide in this time-twisting thriller when an innocent and adventurous boy from the distant future crash-lands in the near future - not too far from us. Another shining example of animation surpassing expectations, this film delivers clever characters, an emotional journey, stunning visuals and breathtaking sequences. Miss it at your peril.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 20:20
This selection showcases the versatility and scope of contemporary animation from young voices around the world. Looking for something new? This is where you'll find it.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 20:30
A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 09:30
Meet the directors behind some of your favourite animated short films competing at this year's festival! Join us for an exciting Q+A where you can dive deep into their creative processes, discover behind-the-scenes stories, and ask the burning questions you've always wanted answered. Don't miss this chance to connect with the visionary talents shaping the future of animation!
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 09:30
Bringing together a dynamic mix of techniques, storytelling styles, and platforms, this selection highlights the full spectrum of animation’s incredible versatility.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 10:15
The best animated short films from around the globe playing in competition at MAF.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 10:30
This relaxed screening is for a range of audience members who benefit from a less formal environment. Come and enjoy animation in your own way; with lower sound, space to move and a smaller audience.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 10:30
This selection showcases the versatility and scope of contemporary animation from young voices around the world. Looking for something new? This is where you'll find it.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 12:00
Love, loneliness and international espionage collide in this emotional thriller, telling the tale of two people searching for connection - in secret - in North Korea.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 14:30
A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 15:00
Everybody loves the Christmas cheer of a Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler BBC One special — but who's behind the joy? Join Jeroen Jaspaert, the award-winning director and showrunner behind beloved animated specials Stick Man and The Highway Rat, and animated pre-school series Pip and Posy, for an animation masterclass. Discover the creation of The Scarecrows’ Wedding — Magic Light Pictures’ latest Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler collaboration — due to screen on BBC One this Christmas.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 16:00
Enjoy a rich collection of films and stories made by Black animators, told from the Black perspective. Join us after for a legendary networking events at the HOME Event Space after the screening - whether you're a Black professional, festival goer or local student in animation, everyone is welcome. Join us for a drink and a chat!
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 16:15
As fiction and reality collide it is up to the resourceful Frankelda — thrust into the unknown — to use her inventive mind to curtail the monstrous ambitions hiding in her own subconscious. A chaotic UK premiere for Mexican stop motion cinema, I am Frankelda is not to be missed.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 18:00
What came before Mamoru Oshii's Ghost In The Shell? Angel's Egg. In this cult classic, a little girl takes care of a large egg which she believes was laid by an angel, and crosses paths with a gun-toting young man — searching the decaying city for a bird he saw in a dream.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 18:30
A space princess is thrust out of her sheltered life and into a galactic quest to save her bounty hunter ex-girlfriend from the Straight White Maliens.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 20:15
Join us for journey into the heart of contemporary British animation and experience a unique cinematic showcase.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 20:20
What’s better than an evening in the pub? An evening in the pub filled with animation! Join us for a lively assembly of animated amusements and pick your winning film at MAFter Dark 2025! Free to all.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 21:00
Celebrating over a quarter of a century of Cartoon Saloon we will be playing selections from their short film back catalogue back to back at Manchester Central Library. See how the studio has evolved and indulge in stylishly told tales delivering messages that will stay with you forever.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 09:30
A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 09:30
Meet the directors behind some of your favourite animated short films competing at this year's festival! Join us for an exciting Q+A where you can dive deep into their creative processes, discover behind-the-scenes stories, and ask the burning questions you've always wanted answered. Don't miss this chance to connect with the visionary talents shaping the future of animation!
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 09:30
After over two years in a vegetative state, a toddler suddenly awakens to the world around her — triggered by a piece of white chocolate. Follow Amélie's journey to becoming a little person in this beautiful, mature and oh so human depiction of the transition from infancy to childhood.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 10:30
MAF proudly presents a chorus of new voices entering the world of animation; our showcase of student excellence screens short films that convey raw and powerful talent, that can only grow from here. Keep it in your calendars — these are the ones to watch.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 10:40
This relaxed screening is for a range of audience members who benefit from a less formal environment. Come and enjoy animation in your own way; with lower sound, space to move and a smaller audience.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 10:40
This selection showcases the versatility and scope of contemporary animation from young voices around the world. Looking for something new? This is where you'll find it.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 12:15
We are delighted to be joined by the team at Walt Disney Animation Studios to discover some of the behind-the-scenes magic from the production of Zootropolis 2.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 14:15
As fiction and reality collide it is up to the resourceful Frankelda — thrust into the unknown — to use her inventive mind to curtail the monstrous ambitions hiding in her own subconscious. A chaotic UK premiere for Mexican stop motion cinema, I am Frankelda is not to be missed.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 14:30
Futures collide in this time-twisting thriller when an innocent and adventurous boy from the distant future crash-lands in the near future - not too far from us. Another shining example of animation surpassing expectations, this film delivers clever characters, an emotional journey, stunning visuals and breathtaking sequences. Miss it at your peril.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 16:30
Those wonderful short films we see again and again — music videos, interstitials, adverts, explainers and more — demonstrate a wealth of animation styles and ideas.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 16:45
A dying prisoner reflects on his final summer of freedom in 1986, when he lived peacefully with a woman and her son surrounded by Housenka flowers. As death approaches, one of these flowers guides him through the gut-wrenching memories of his past as a yakuza. Join us after the screening for an in depth Q&A with Baku Kinoshita, the director of this thoughtful masterpiece.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 18:20
Bringing together a dynamic mix of techniques, storytelling styles, and platforms, this selection highlights the full spectrum of animation’s incredible versatility.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 18:30
Skwigly Online Animation Magazine is proud to present a selection of standout films from its animation community, in association with MAF 2025. Skwigly has fast become one of the UK’s leading resources for all things animation, with a community made up of filmmakers the world over. The screening will feature a selection of innovative and exceptional animated shorts, hand-picked by the Skwigly team.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 19:00
The best animated short films from around the globe playing in competition at MAF.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 20:30
Join Steve Henderson and Ben Mitchell from Skwigly Online Animation Magazine and the Skwigly Animation Podcast as they invite you to test your animation knowledge, win some juicy prizes and pit your wits against fellow festival goers in a fiendishly fun Animation Quiz.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 20:30
While you’ve likely seen hundreds of series and movies about guinea pigs before, this is special, we promise. Join us for the an unmissable English language screening of the feature length version of Adult Swim’s first Spanish language original series, Women Wearing Shoulder Pads, that the LA Times called the “most unexpected yet perfect show”.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 20:40
Meet the directors behind some of your favourite animated short films competing at this year's festival! Join us for an exciting Q&A where you can dive deep into their creative processes, discover behind-the-scenes stories, and ask the burning questions you've always wanted answered. Don't miss this chance to connect with the visionary talents shaping the future of animation!
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 09:30
This relaxed screening is for a range of audience members who benefit from a less formal environment. Come and enjoy animation in your own way; with lower sound, space to move and a smaller audience.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 10:30
This selection showcases the versatility and scope of contemporary animation from young voices around the world. Looking for something new? This is where you'll find it.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 10:30
A space princess is thrust out of her sheltered life and into a galactic quest to save her bounty hunter ex-girlfriend from the Straight White Maliens.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 12:15
Bringing together a dynamic mix of techniques, storytelling styles, and platforms, this selection highlights the full spectrum of animation’s incredible versatility.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 14:15
Bring the whole family to our enchanting screening of animated short films from across the world, made for children (and adults!) to enjoy.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 15:45
Join Jez Stewart from the BFI for an exciting look through some of the outstanding films supported by the BFI National Lottery Short Form Animation Fund.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 17:30
What came before Mamoru Oshii's Ghost In The Shell? Angel's Egg. In this cult classic, a little girl takes care of a large egg which she believes was laid by an angel, and crosses paths with a gun-toting young man — searching the decaying city for a bird he saw in a dream.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 17:30
The best animated short films from around the globe playing in competition at MAF.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 19:15
Love, loneliness and international espionage collide in this emotional thriller, telling the tale of two people searching for connection - in secret - in North Korea.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 20:40
MAF isn’t over yet! Come join us to send off the festival in style, catch up with friends old and new, and help us celebrate our 11th edition.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 21:00
Join us for journey into the heart of contemporary British animation and experience a unique cinematic showcase with this online selection of short films from MAF.
Fri 14 Nov 2025 - 00:00
Bringing together a dynamic mix of techniques, storytelling styles, and platforms, this online selection highlights the full spectrum of animation’s incredible versatility.
Fri 14 Nov 2025 - 00:00
The whole family will enjoy this enchanting online screening of animated short films from across the world, made for children (and adults!) to enjoy.
Fri 14 Nov 2025 - 00:00
MAF proudly presents a chorus of new voices entering the world of animation; our online showcase of student excellence screens short films that convey raw and powerful talent, that can only grow from here.
Fri 14 Nov 2025 - 00:00
An online selection of some of the best animated short films from around the globe playing in competition at MAF.
Fri 14 Nov 2025 - 00:00
A selection of the best animated music videos, interstitials, adverts, explainers and more from this year’s festival. Tune in online to see the very best creative responses that shape the world around us.
Fri 14 Nov 2025 - 00:00
