Persuasive, illustrative and able to get over abstract details in attractive and compelling ways, animation is the perfect tool to document someone’s vision of the truth. This past decade has seen a boom in non-fiction films that use animation to tell their stories and LIAF has been one of the vanguards with our annual showcase dedicated to the documentary form dating back to 2008. This year’s programme features 11 of the best true life stories coupled with mind-blowing imagery.

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

Us Four

The bittersweet experiences of growing up and the evolving dynamics of sisterly relationships.

UK 2024 Dir: Alex Peake 6’45

Percebes

With the sea and urban Algarve as the backdrop, we follow a complete life cycle of a special shellfish called percebes, the goose barnacle.

Portugal 2024 Dir: Alexandra Ramires, Laura Gonçalves 11’25

Noggin

No sugarcoatin’ it, you’ve got brain damage from multiple sclerosis. Your memories are fading so gather everything left in that noggin, like paper and ink and photos and love of course.

USA, Italy 2024 Dir: Case Jernigan 7’10

High Street Repeat

The story of migration and enterprise, told through the changing face of Britain’s high street. This playful combination of stop motion with digital techniques and manipulation of photographic cut-outs creates a continuous transition between the past and present.

UK 2023 Dir: Osbert Parker, Laurie Hill 4’25

I Died in Irpin

24 February 2022 my boyfriend and I fled from Kyiv to Irpin. We spent 10 days in a blockaded city and managed to escape with the last evacuation convoy. Time passed, but the feeling that I died in Irpin has never left me since.

Czech Republic 2024 Dir: Anastasiia Falileieva 11’30

Joana

Joana is about to turn 6. Her father decides to make an animated documentary to portray her personality and the things she loves the most.

Spain 2024 Dir: Antoni Sendra Barrachina 2’50

Touching Darkness

10 year old Vítek has special abilities – he can feel and hear what others cannot. This is a door to his world and shows us that the absence of one sense doesn't have to be just an obstacle.

Czech Republic 2024 Dir: Jamaica Kindlová 4’50

Dying for Beginners

What happens as we die? A gentle step by step journey through the process of dying.

UK 2023 Dir: Emily Downe 4’20

Margarita's Story

A heart-wrenching film presenting the perilous journey of a 10 year old girl’s flight from Mariupol, Ukraine in March of 2022.

UK 2023 Dir: Jonathan Hodgson 3’30

Ur Heinous Habit

A blackmail email prompts a filmmaker to explore the intersection of shame and masturbation.

USA 2023 Dir: Eugene Kolb 13’45

Inside, The Valley Sings

Trapped in the never-ending horror of prolonged solitary confinement, 3 prisoners seek comfort and escape in the boundless vistas of their own imaginations.

Ireland 2024 Dir: Nathan Fagan, Natasza Cetner 15’00