At a time where the animation landscape is hard to navigate and breaking in feels tougher than ever, join our panel of early-career professionals as they share how they made their own way into the industry, the hurdles they faced, and the tricks and tips that helped them along the way.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 10:30
BAFTA-winning filmmaker and animator Will Anderson joins us for an in-person and in-depth look at his work and creative process. His acclaimed films include the feature A Cat Called Dom, as well as short films Have Heart, Monkey Love Experiments and his breakout film The Making of Longbird.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 12:15
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
Join Aardman Animations and Flycheese Studio for an inspiring conversation on the value of neurodiverse minds in animation. Discover how studios can build more inclusive environments where every voice has the chance to thrive.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 15:45
After the glorious and colourful creative chaos of last year’s debut in Manchester, the Adult Swim Live Drawing Challenge is back, and we’ve only gone and supersized it! Artists, get ready to unleash your creativity in an epic game of Exquisite Corpse, and this time, we’re adding an Individual Drawing Challenge where the best creations get the chance to win lots of juicy prizes.
Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 20:00
Full of honest insights that'll help you stand out when the time comes to step up. Join us as we explore how to climb the animation career ladder and not get stuck on the junior rung.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 10:30
Want to meet potential collaborators, find festival buddies to enjoy the festival with, or just meet new people who make or appreciate animation? Join members of the MAF team for an informal mixer where we will encourage meeting new people and enhancing your festival experience.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 12:30
Join creator and executive producer Tom Cousins, alongside cast and creatives, for an exclusive look at this new series - about modern family life, community and magic.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 12:30
Join us for a mesmerising look at how Industrial Light & Magic revolutionised cinematic animation! From the meticulous hand-drawn lightsabers of Star Wars to the groundbreaking, Oscar-winning animation of Rango, ILM has consistently pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 14:00
From established institutions sharing work digitally, to independent creators building global audiences on YouTube, the landscape of animation distribution is rapidly shifting. Join us as we bring together industry professionals and rising creatives, alongside voices from YouTube itself, to discover what it takes to thrive in this fast-moving space.
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 14:30
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
Whether you're a Black professional, festival goer or local student in animation, everyone is welcome at this legendary networking event - so join us for a drink and a chat!
Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 17:45
Grab a coffee and some brekkie, and kick off the Animation Nation Forum the right way, thanks to the support of Liquid Violet.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 08:30
As we kick off the 2025 Animation Nation Forum, our opening address focusses on regional activity and how it impacts the national, and international animation picture.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 09:30
Come one, come all down to the MAF Marketplace. The marketplace is a free place to come and meet up with companies and suppliers from the world of animation for recruitment, portfolio reviews, IP and legal advice, funding and lots more.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 09:30
Are you ready to showcase your talent to animation industry powerhouses? Professionals from top studios and companies are coming to the MAF Marketplace on the lookout for fresh talent—and this is your chance to shine!
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 10:00
If you’re looking to expand into new markets, diversify your content pipeline, or strengthen creative alliances, our experts will highlight how co-productions can unlock growth and innovation across the animation industry.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 10:00
Looking to grow your business and make industry connections? ANF Connect is the must-attend B2B meeting event of the Animation Nation Forum, designed to offer a unique opportunity to book 15-minute one-on-one meetings with the finest minds in animation, allowing you to pitch ideas, form partnerships, and take your business to the next level.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 10:30
Grab a tea/coffee in the break between ANF sessions, courtesy of MAF!
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 11:00
The past 5 years have seen seismic changes to the animation landscape, not only for how it is made, but also how it is consumed. Our experts will explore how creators and studios are adapting to this rapidly evolving landscape and discuss what sustainability looks like in a digital first, direct to audience world. Join us as we examine how these massive creative, commercial and cultural shifts are creating a new normal for animation businesses.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 11:30
Are you ready to showcase your talent to animation industry powerhouses? Professionals from top studios and companies are coming to the MAF Marketplace on the lookout for fresh talent—and this is your chance to shine!
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 11:45
Add on your lunch bag for the ANF. Deadline for orders Thu 30 Oct.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 12:30
Join us as we unpack how curiosity can be a superpower in ideation, design, and execution — inspiring richer work. In a hurry-driven world, this session dares animators to slow down.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 12:30
The animation feature landscape is evolving faster than ever, with independent breakthroughs commanding audience attention alongside studio blockbusters in the battle for the box office. Join us for an inside look at how animated features are the future.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 13:15
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
Presenting the State of the Animation Nation roundtable discussion; a session where animation's finest reflect on the challenges and triumphs that the industry has faced, and what lies ahead.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 14:30
After a day of insightful animation business networking, we invite you to wind down at our evening drinks reception thanks to our drinks sponsor Animation UK.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 15:30
Does networking fill you with more dread than excitement? Are you not sure what all this “networking” is about? Join Jen & Isabelle from MAF for an informal session where they will share their experience, tips and tricks to gently ease you in the world of networking, before trying it out yourself afterwards at Northwestivus across the road.
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 16:00
Join animators and animation fans for a chance to laugh, cry, network, gossip, mingle, commune and drink proper northern beer until last orders at the bar!
Wed 12 Nov 2025 - 18:00
Unreal Engine is a complete creative playground for animation. In this talk, discover how to build various animation workflows directly inside Unreal, no round trips required.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 10:15
Ever wonder how a would-be superhero artist, Muppeteer, and rock musician ends up as an Animation Supervisor at one of the biggest studios in the world? In this entertaining and candid talk, Ken Fountain takes you on his unpredictable journey through art, music, theatre and tech, all of which led to the ONE thing he loves most: animation.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 10:30
Join professional storyboard artist Lauren Auty for an exclusive Industry Excellence Award Workshop. The MAF Industry Excellence Award Workshops offer a unique opportunity to learn from top professionals in animation, delivering small-group sessions packed with insider knowledge, specialist skills, and inspiration from those at the top of their game.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 11:00
From bold ideas to collaborating with clients, come and discover the nuance needed to combine storytelling, style and strategy - and how imagination and innovation can transform commercials into mini masterpieces.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 12:00
The idea of including AI in digital animation workflows has shifted from an avoidable option to an ever-present integration. This panel brings together industry experts to discuss pressing issues, break down hybrid workflows, and share practical steps for working ethically in a rapidly changing landscape.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 12:30
Join professional storyboard artist Lauren Auty for an exclusive Industry Excellence Award Workshop. The MAF Industry Excellence Award Workshops offer a unique opportunity to learn from top professionals in animation, delivering small-group sessions packed with insider knowledge, specialist skills, and inspiration from those at the top of their game.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 13:30
Celebrating an incredible 25 years in business and collecting the Manchester Animation Festival Fellowship Award 2025 are Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey and Paul Young from Cartoon Saloon. Join us as we take a look back on some of their key moments, get a preview of what is to come and hear the story behind this incredible studio.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 14:00
What does progress look like in this period of change, especially for women and underrepresented genders in the animation industry? We ask three directors and creatives how they've navigated the industry, and where we can go next.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 15:30
Join Victor Parades — animator and co-owner of Moho Animation Software — to discover Moho's groundbreaking 2D animation tools, and how they are helping 2D animation to thrive in a 3D and AI-dominated landscape.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 16:00
WIA UK Connect nurtures community, careers, and creativity, supporting the drive towards genuine gender equity in the animation industry. If you’re a woman or non-binary person in animation, join us for a networking event where you can catch up with friends or meet new people, chat about what it’s like out there in the industry right now and find out how the UK chapter of WIA can help.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 16:45
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
Join our host for the evening Alasdair Beckett-King for an evening of comedy and celebration as we hand out the coveted Manchester Animation Festival trophies crafted by master model makers Mackinnon and Saunders.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 - 20:00
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
