Some films need extra time to develop their themes, to grow and draw us more comprehensively into their worlds. It takes time to think. Reflection tends to work best at a slower tempo. This competition programme is dedicated to showcasing the best of these longer films. 6 longer short films, 6 thoughtful and complex stories.

Independent animation is an art form that continues to thrive and develop as a breath-taking medley of styles, materials, techniques and production – from hand-drawn, paint on glass, collage, sculpture, cut-outs, puppets, abstract to some of the more interesting developments in CGI – all of which can be seen at this year’s LIAF.

We’ve emerged from under the pile of 2,400 entries to put together a series of screenings that showcase the best 86 new films from 41 countries around the world. They can be funny, dramatic, bizarre, subdued, scary or autobiographical. The one thing they have in common is that we think they’re the pick of the crop. 8 international competition programmes. Every technique, every genre, every style – this is your annual window into the international indie animation universe.

Total running time: approx 115 mins

For more information please visit http://www.liaf.org.uk/

Eeva

It is pouring down with rain at the funeral. There are many tears, too much wine, several woodpeckers and a handful of dreams to fill in the gaps.

Estonia, Croatia 2022 Dir: Lucija Mrzljak, Morten Tsinakov 16’00

Wild Summon

A natural history fantasy film, following the dramatic life cycle of the wild salmon in human form, with narration by Marianne Faithfull.

UK 2023 Dir: Saul Freed, Karni Arieli 14’30

Antipolis

Some people believe that the Earth is flat - and then there are those who think that somewhere, under the Crust of the Earth, another civilisation exists. The occupants of Antipolis have no idea that they are living inside a gigantic globe. Getting to know this is a sobering shock.

Estonia 2023 Dir: Kaspar Jancis 25’30

Temporarily Removed

Deep inside a municipal art museum, a single guard is the sole queen of a small exhibition. When being forced to leave the room, her exile becomes a journey in search of a new home.

Israel 2023 Dir: Yoav Brill 13’30

The Family Portrait

As Austro-Hungary teeters on collapse, Andras and his daughter are taken aback by the visit from Andras' unpredictable brother, Zoltan, who comes accompanied by his large family.

Croatia 2023 Dir: Lea Vidakovic 14’45

My Year of Dicks

Hilarious and genre-mashing, an imaginative fifteen year-old is stubbornly determined to lose her virginity despite the pathetic pickings in the outskirts of Houston in the early 90’s.

USA, Iceland 2022 Dir: Sara Gunnarsdottir 25’40