This programme ‘From Absurd to Zany’ celebrates some of the funniest, weirdest and eye-poppingly nutty films that were entered this year.
Strange tales of a woman giving birth to her reproductive organs, a chatty hair living on the head of a balding man, disturbing bird people, singing aliens plus many more bonkers scenarios. Buckle up for a wild ride.
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 77 outstanding new films from 30 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.
Several filmmakers will be in attendance to introduce their films at the start of the screening.
HUGE SAVINGS WITH OUR ONLINE CURATOR AND VIP PASSES!
Our online CURATOR PASS grants you EIGHT tickets for just £39. You can browse them all here.
Our online VIP PASS grants you 1 ticket for all TWENTY-FOUR online programmes for only £79!
Jazz Emu: Fun Kitai Furai Dei – Hunter Allen, UK
A singing alien from the planet 0E0E0 comes to earth, seeking happiness after his home was destroyed in a brutal intergalactic war.
2025 3’30 min
Um – Nieto, France
The bird people have fallen into violent chaos, prey to a disturbing phenomenon: their eggs seem to be haunted by demonic faces. Their hatching seems to herald an imminent catastrophe…
2025 8’30 min
Ovary-Acting – Ida Melum, Norway / Sweden / UK
A harried thirty-something woman is forced to decide whether she wants to be a mother after unexpectedly giving birth to her reproductive organs at her sister’s baby shower.
2025 12’25 min
Ostrich – Marie Kenov, Switzerland
A little sparrow is in awe of the ostriches with their long necks, dazzling eyes and muscular legs and wants to be just like them.
2025 8’30 min
The 12 Inch Pianist – Lucas Ansel, USA
A bar joke goes awry, unravelling into a surreal tale that explores the acceptance of self, others, and queer identity.
2024 7’25 min
No Vacancy – Miguel Rodrick, Colombia
The unraveling mind of Jack, depicted through a dilapidated motel. He navigates chaotic nights filled with mysterious phone calls, disruptive guests, childhood humiliation and battles with addiction.
2024 7’15 min
Peter Hair – Arthur Studholme & Cosmo Wellings, UK
Peter, a hair living on the head of a balding man named Tim, has decided to hand in his notice.
2025 8’05 min
Dollhouse Elephant – Jenny Jokela, Finland
In a communal environment the private habits of a group of neighbours creates public mayhem.
2025 11’15 min
This film is not included in our online programme
Turbulence – Christopher Rutledge & Magnus Igland Møller, Denmark / USA
First flight. No parents. Total panic. A terrified boy just wants to survive takeoff, but the plane—and its deranged passengers—have other plans.
2025 3’30 min
The Right to be Forgotten – Tue Sanggaard, Denmark
Deep underground, embedded in old muddy rock, the oracle is waiting.
2025 10’55 min
This film is not included in our online programme
Our Funding Partners
With Special Thanks to The Elf Factory, official sponsor of LIAF 2025.
Event supported by Film Hub London, managed by Film London. Proud to be a partner of the BFI Film Audience Network, funded by the National Lottery.
Venue
Opened in March 2022, The Garden Cinema screens repertory seasons and new releases from around the world. Being truly independent, they choose films that are worth seeing, films you’d be happy to see more than once. Films of all genres that are true to life, well made, that left us feeling better or wiser for having seen them. For more information about The Garden Cinema and how to get there, find out more.
Online, The Garden Cinema
