Manchester Animation Festival returns with stellar line-up for 2025

2nd October 2025

Manchester Animation Festival 2025 welcomes Walt Disney Animation Studios, Netflix, Cartoon Saloon, Industrial Light & Magic, Epic Games and global talent to the North-West

Manchester Animation Festival (MAF), the UK’s largest celebration of animation and the nation’s only Oscar® and BAFTA®-qualifying animation festival, returns to HOME and venues across Manchester from 9–13 November

Manchester, UK – Manchester Animation Festival (MAF) is back for 2025, bringing five days of animated brilliance to HOME Manchester from 9-13 November. As the UK’s only Oscar® and BAFTA®-qualifying animation festival, MAF continues to be a major destination for fans and creators alike. This year’s programme features exclusive previews, behind-the-scenes access, and a strong focus on diversity and innovation, all supported by a new partnership with the University of Salford.

MAF 2025’s international feature film competition is bold, imaginative, and packed with international talent. Audiences can look forward to an exclusive preview of The Last Blossom, a beautifully crafted 2D animation from Japan, followed by an in-person Q&A with director Baku Kinoshita. The festival also hosts the UK premiere of Arco, a visually striking sci-fi fantasy directed by Ugo Bienvenu and produced by Félix de Givry and Natalie Portman. Also making its UK debut is I Am Frankelda, a haunting and intricately made stop-motion film that is the first of its kind produced in Mexico. Directed by Arturo and Roy Ambriz, this feature expands on the acclaimed Frankelda’s Book of Spooks series. Completing the competition slate are two stand-out films: The Square, a politically charged romance thriller directed by Kim Bo-sol, and Little Amelie or the Character of Rain, an Annecy Cristal winner directed by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han.  

Other features previewing at the festival include critically acclaimed titles Lesbian Space Princess, directed by Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese, and a stunning 4K remaster of 1985’s underground classic Angel’s Egg, directed by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell).  The boundary-pushing, cult favourite studio Adult Swim also returns with New, Newer, Newest – a late-night showcase of exclusive content from their upcoming slate.

Alongside the fantastic screenings, MAF will honour acclaimed Irish studio Cartoon Saloon – creators of Wolfwalkers and The Breadwinner – with its prestigious Fellowship award. A special retrospective will mark 50 years of Industrial Light & Magic, celebrating how the legendary studio has revolutionised cinematic animation. Walt Disney Animation Studios will offer an exclusive look at The Making of Zootropolis 2, while director Alex Woo lifts the curtain on his Netflix animated feature In Your Dreams.  Audiences can also enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at The Scarecrows’ Wedding, adapted from Julia Donaldson’s beloved book by Magic Light Pictures, and discover a magical new tale set in Manchester, titled Rafi the Wishing Wizard.

Festival Director Steve Henderson said: “As we stride into a new decade of MAF, we’re thrilled to bring another packed programme of premieres, exclusives, special guests and more back to Manchester this November. The passion of the animation community is what makes MAF so special, and their energy inspires us to aim higher every year. The whole team at MAF are really looking forward to celebrating with them when the festival returns from 9–13 November.”

MAF 2025 invites audiences to go beyond the screen and experience the creative heartbeat of animation, with inspiring talks from rising talent and exclusive presentations from global studios like Epic Games, all delivering inspirational events that showcase the future of the art form. Each morning kicks off with intimate Q&A sessions featuring short filmmakers from around the world, celebrating bold storytelling and fresh perspectives in short-form animation.

MAF 2025 Poster

The festival also shines a spotlight on diverse voices from our industry; BlackFrame Presents brings a powerful mix of short films, discussion, and networking to celebrate Black creatives in animation. Where We Go From Here from WIA UK opens up an important conversation about gender equity in the industry, while Neurodiversity in Animation: Unlocking Creative Potential, with Aardman and Flycheese Animation, explores how neurodivergent artists are reshaping the creative landscape.

On 13 November, the festival wraps up with its much-loved awards ceremony, hosted by comedian and writer Alasdair Beckett-King. Expect a night of celebration as MAF honours the very best in British and international animation – from feature films and student shorts to immersive experiences and children’s films. Winners will take home the iconic MAF trophy, handcrafted by North-West model-making legends Mackinnon & Saunders. The ceremony also includes the Industry Excellence Awards, spotlighting top talent in writing, storyboarding, character design, and animation.

Beyond the screenings and awards, MAF offers plenty to explore: the Animation Nation Forum returns with industry-focused talks, there’s a family-friendly day packed with activities, and the bustling marketplace at Bridgewater Hall is back for another year. Free and open to all, the marketplace gives attendees the chance to connect directly with studios, meet industry professionals, and discover opportunities across the animation sector.

This year also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, as MAF launches a three-year partnership with the University of Salford. Expect exclusive panel sessions, guest lectures, and student-led programming that bring fresh energy to the festival and help nurture the next generation of animation talent.

Tickets are available on our tickets and passes page. For full programme details, visit Our Programme.