Manchester Animation Festival

MANCHESTER ANIMATION FESTIVAL REVEALS FILM AWARDS AND INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

15th November 2024

During a ceremony last night hosted by comedian, author and animation enthusiast Alasdair Beckett-King, Manchester Animation Festival (MAF) unveiled the winners of the 2024 Industry Excellence Awards and Film Awards. The awards ceremony was held on the Thursday 14 November.

This year’s Film Awards, which is the festival’s international film competition, have categories of Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best British Film, Best Student Film, Best Children’s Film, Best Commissioned Film and Best Immersive Film.

Recipients of the festival’s Short Film Award will be eligible for consideration in the Short Films competition of the Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules. After working together with BAFTA to introduce international animation festivals as qualifying events, British films screened at MAF will automatically be long listed for BAFTA’s prestigious British Short Animation award.

The Industry Excellence Awards supported by Maxon, recognise individuals working in industry in the fields of writing, storyboarding and character animation took place alongside the film awards.

THE 2024 INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS ARE:

Script Writing
Alex Collier for ‘Odo: Once Upon a Camp Leader’

Storyboarding
Robin Shaw for Mog’s Christmas

Character Animation
Andy Fossey for Pip & Posey

Storyboard IEA Winner Robin Shaw and MAF Awards host Alasdair Beckett-King

MANCHESTER ANIMATION FILM AWARD WINNERS ARE:

Short Film
‘I Died in Irpin’ by Anastasiia Falileieva (Czechia)
The Jury said:
In a field of exceptional films showcasing narrative and visual mastery, this piece stands out for its intimate portrayal of the human side of war. Moving from a broad, global perspective to the deeply personal, it follows a woman facing an impossible choice between family and partner amid the turmoil of conflict. With poignant storytelling, it unveils the hidden betrayals and sacrifices of survival, powerfully reflecting the struggles of our time. This is a vital and resonant film, shedding light on the true personal horrors of war.

Feature Film
‘Flow’ by Gints Zilbalodis (France, Latvia, Belgium)
The Jury said:
WOW !
It has a unique vision of a world that we completely believe in. Its ambition is huge but it achieves its ambition with imagination and charm. The animal characters are authentic and not anthropomorphic . Without any dialogue we understand and empathise with their dilemma. The environmental message which runs throughout the film is delivered in a subtle and organic way. The message is clear but doesn’t overshadow the story of friendship and survival.

Special Mention: ‘Memoir of a Snail’ by Adam Elliot (Australia)

British Animated Short Film
‘And Granny Would Dance’ directed by Maryam Mohajer (United Kingdom)
The Jury said:
A compelling portrait of sisterhood that transcends its raw and naïve aesthetic, reaching remarkable emotional depths. With a dreamlike quality that beautifully complements the women’s candid recollections, the film brings their experiences to life with touching honesty. As they summon the courage to confront their grief and celebrate a life lost, the love they share becomes palpable, immersing us in a powerful moment where joy and sorrow blend seamlessly, drawing tears from the heart. This film touched all of us, leaving a lasting impression through its beauty and resonance.

Audience Award
‘The Lost Courier’ by Ma ZiDong (China)
The audience award was voted for by MAF delegates

Student Film
‘Bunnyhood’ by Mansi Maheshwari
The Jury said:
An energetic exploration of the complex bonds between parent and child, this film plunges into the chaos of betrayal and self-discovery. It takes us on a wild journey through the subconscious, where hidden truths and deceptions come to light. The animation blends nostalgia with a modern edge, bringing a fresh and unique voice to the screen and revealing the talent of an exciting new storyteller. The result is an unforgettable piece that captivated us with its originality and intensity.

Short Film for Children
‘Freak of Nature’ by Alexandra Lermer (Germany)
The Short Film for Children Category was judged by a specially formed panel of 9-14 year olds from Into Film’s Youth Advisory Group.

Commissioned Film Award collected on behalf of Director Joseph Clark by Writer/Producer Alan Walsh and MAF Awards host Alasdair Beckett-King

Commissioned Film
‘Eyes on Porn’ by Joseph Clark (United Kingdom)
The Jury said:
Tasked with a challenging brief on a sensitive topic, this piece skillfully balances hard-hitting information with a playful and accessible approach that resonates with a young audience. Through creative and engaging imagery, it delivers the message with both ingenuity and a gentle touch, making complex issues approachable without talking down to its viewers. This is a standout work that meets its brief with confidence and originality.

Immersive Award
‘Oto’s Planet’ by Gwenael François (France)
The Jury said:
This VR project delivers an intuitive and beautifully designed experience that places the audience in the director’s seat, exploring the dynamic relationship between two contrasting characters. As viewers guide the narrative, they witness the clash between the protagonist’s tranquil existence and the chaotic arrival of his foil. This innovative approach to interactive storytelling offers a unique sense of agency, making it a memorable experience for audiences.

The Jury for the Industry Excellence Awards comprised of Myles McLeod (Writer), Malachi James (BAA Lamb Award winning Storyboard Artist, Blue Zoo) and Nila Wood (Character Designer, Blue Zoo).

The Short Film Category Jury included Tom Brown – A British Artist and Filmmaker, Erik van Drunen – A curator of animation and film programmes both in the Netherlands and Internationally and Tanya J Scott – An Award winning Director and Creator.

This year’s feature film jury consisted of award-winning producer Andrew Baker, Producer and co-author of Adventures in Animation Imogen Sutton and freelance critic and reporter Rafael Motamayor.

The Children’s Film Award was judged by a specially formed panel of 9-14 year olds from Into Film’s Youth Advisory Group.

This years’ Manchester Animation Festival saw a fantastic lineup of events, screenings and panels from leading companies such as Aardman, BBC, DreamWorks, ILM and Netflix. The festival saw an audience increase of 20%.