Despite societal pressures, humans still create art, jokes, rituals, experiments… and animated films. Play and imagination are core human capacities that drive innovation and meaning. This programme examines some big life moments and asks some pointed questions. The 11 powerful films include a man revisiting his teenage years through the prism of his changing hairstyles, a touching mother-daughter relationship, a bittersweet and hopeful depiction of how society views growing old, a mesmerising, minimalist meditation patiently picking away at the little details often left unconsidered and several other tales about love, death, and purpose.
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.
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Retirement Plan – John Kelly, Ireland
Dissatisfied with his life, Ray dreams of the beauty and joy he will find in retirement.
2025 7’00 min
Dog Alone – Marta Reis Andrade, Portugal / France
After the death of its owner and companions, a dog is left alone in its house, howling day and night and disturbing the neighbourhood.
2024 13’10 min
This film is not included in our online programme
Imprint – Duncan Major, Canada
Chance encounters can leave a lasting effect, like ink on paper. Imprint is a heartfelt animated short about the lasting creative bond between two kindred spirits.
2025 5’00 min
How – Marko Mestrovic, Croatia
Through the opening between reality and subtle poetic forms, surreal scenes and thrilling paradoxes reveal endless loops of existence.
2025 8’45 min
This film is not included in our online programme
Balconada – Iva Tokmakchieva, France / Bulgaria
A hot summer day brings several neighbours out on their balconies. During a sudden rainstorm one of them gets a burst of inspiration which encourages the rest to live in the moment.
2025 8’05 min
Speeding, Of Course – Anni Sairio & Joonatan Turkki, Finland
70-year-old Timo makes the most of his short ride to work. Speeding up on a bicycle he ends up in a ditch, but the adrenaline rush leaves a feeling of pleasure.
2025 4’00 min
S the Wolf – Sameh Alaa, France
Through memories of his changing thinning hair, a man revisits his teenage years weaving together fragments of youth and growth towards his personal transformation throughout the large journey of his life.
2025 10’30 min
Poppy Flowers – Evridiki Papaiakovou, Estonia
A daughter tries to reconcile with her mother through memories of their shared rituals, exposing the intricate aspects of their relationship.
2024 4’25 min
Shadows – Rand Beiruty, France / Jordan
At an overcrowded airport, Ahlam, a 14-year old runaway mother, fights the lurking shadows that attempt to steal the only dream that will set her free.
2024 12’20 min
Ordinary Life – Yoriko Mizushiri, Japan
A breath of air, a movement, a touch and, in between, a dissolution. Gestures of everyday life in variation, sensual, floating in pastel colours.
2025 9’50 min
This film is not included in our online programme
Quota – Job, Joris and Marieke, Netherlands
When every global citizen is required to have their CO2 emissions tracked, it makes little impact… that is, until they discover the consequences of reaching their designated quota.
2024 2’40 min
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
