Welcome to our annual deep-dive into the dark heart of animation. Here you will find films featuring a blind sculptor and his countless failed experiments, corn husk skulls, mental armadillos, evil twin babies, skeletons, maggots and death everywhere. Step in, take a seat, turn out the light and get ready for our annual showcase of all manner of dark, creepy, strange, violent and spooky films.

Independent animation remains a dynamic and evolving art form, showcasing a stunning array of styles, materials, and techniques—from hand-drawn and paint-on-glass to collage, sculpture, cut-outs, puppetry, abstract forms, and innovative CGI. This year's LIAF highlights the most diverse and exciting developments within this vibrant medium.

After sorting through a huge pile of 2,400 entries, we’ve curated a selection of 83 outstanding new films from 31 countries. These films range from humorous and dramatic to bizarre, subtle, frightening, and autobiographical. What they all share is our belief that they represent the best of the best. These 8 international competition programmes showcase a variety of techniques, genres, and styles. This is your annual glimpse into the vibrant world of international indie animation.

Please visit liaf.org.uk for more details

Playing God

A clay sculpture comes to life in the darkness of a workshop, surrounded by strange creatures.

Italy, France 2024 Dir: De Matteo Burani & Arianna Gheller 8’55

Duck

One stormy night, Bex's plans for a Chinese takeaway are disrupted when she nearly kills a mysterious old woman.

USA 2024 Dir: Mic Graves, Tony Hull 8’15

As I Was a Tree

In a surreal odyssey, the Self seeks escape.

Germany 2024 Dir: Jalal Maghout 10’40

Little Other

Two babies are about to be born. One of them is bound to be a regular child. The other is destined to be a trickster. But how to determine which is which?

Estonia 2024 Dir: Andres Tenusaar 12’00

Madeline's House

A little girl, Madeline, takes us on a tour of her beloved childhood home. The more rooms we explore, she slowly remembers the strange and disturbing events that led to her death.

UK 2023 Dir: Eliska Dvorackova 3’20

Dolores

Dolores is a 7-year-old girl who just wants to play, runs away from a fire demon and accidentally falls into a grave.

Mexico 2024 Dir: Cecilia Andalón Delgadillo 8’15

Sleepy

Thirteen-year-old Varka lives in a shoemaker’s home where she performs the duties of nanny and housemaid. Varka’s only wish is to get some sleep.

Russian Federation 2023 Dir: Igor Voloshin 13’30

Drizzle in Johnson

A scientist obsessively seeking the answers of the universe is thrust into a mind-bending odyssey of grotesqueries and genitalia.

Canada 2023 Dir: Ivan Li 20’40