Independent British animated films have carved out a unique niche in the cinematic landscape, characterised by their distinct artistic styles and innovative storytelling. These films frequently explore themes of identity, culture, and social issues, reflecting the diverse experiences of contemporary Britain. With smaller budgets and a focus on creativity, independent animators often experiment with various techniques, from hand-drawn animation to stop-motion and everything in-between, allowing for a personal touch that resonates with audiences. This dynamic sector not only enriches the animation medium but also fosters a sense of community among filmmakers dedicated to pushing boundaries and exploring new narratives.
Nobody screens more British animation than LIAF and this snapshot of the state of British animation paints a vibrant picture of a spirited and imaginative animation nation. Before the screening there is a chance to meet many of the animators and hear them talk about their films as they take to the stage to introduce their films.
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Flang meets Darwin – Dog & Rabbit Animation, UK
Charles Darwin (‘On the Origin of Species’) informs Flang (‘Superstar of AI Art’) that there is absolutely no future for her art. She strongly disagrees and threatens to put her prices up.
2025 2’00 min
Fried! – Lizzie Watts, UK
As Dev drives home from a mysterious, ageing nuclear facility, he becomes stranded at an isolated emu farm run by old mystic lesbians. Suspicious of their intentions, Dev fears they will sacrifice him at the local stone circle.
2025 9’55 min
The Dog in the Long Grass – Seb Cox, UK
Haunted by a glimpse of Death in the form of a black dog, a man embarks on a desperate search across the Sussex landscape to ask a single, unanswered question.
2025 5’00 min
Angry Cars – Shaun Clark, UK
In the brutal chaos of life on the London roads, cars clash, flirt, and fume in this savage reflection of humanity’s impatience and absurdity.
2025 6’55 min
Film Film – Arturs Voblikovs, UK
A print shop owner with seasonal depression becomes obsessed with copying the life of his new customer, an extravagant jungle explorer, based on his film photographs.
2025 12’05 min
Steeping – Eilidh Nicoll, UK
Strangers ponder our attitudes towards death and dying – reflecting on how a conversation over tea and coffee at a ‘Death Cafe’ might make broaching the subject a little less terrifying.
2025 3’20 min
The Eating of an Orange – May Kindred-Boothby, UK
A woman living in a world of strict conformity is given an orange. She has never seen an orange. Through her sensual exploration of the fruit she unlocks a luscious realm of orgasmic juice and copulating slugs. But will she follow her desires, or will convention win?
2024 7’30 min
Another Foggy Day – Mingqi Yang, UK
Doris, a once-vibrant cardiologist, struggles with Alzheimer’s, her world increasingly clouded with memory-loss. With her daughter’s care and an AI voiced assistant, Doris regains brief clarity.
2025 8’00 min
How to Build a Sand Castle – Nour Khamis, Ecuador / UK
A tender, hand-painted metaphor for shedding shame and the journey of queer self discovery.
2025 4’20 min
Statue in the Garden – Qianhui Yu, UK
Didi moves into an unkempt house in Stoke-on-Trent. Whilst feeling ill at ease in this unfamiliar environment, she comes across a curious statue in the garden. This enchanting object helps Didi to appreciate the heritage of her new neighbourhood through an unexpected journey back in time.
2025 7’40 min
Existential Greg – Will Anderson, UK
A cat goes on a journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
2025 9’20 min
The Last Gammon – Elmaz Ekrem Littlewood, UK
Dave is on a mission to find the last gammon in London for his bird’s brekkie, and nothing — not even the impending apocalypse — can stop him.
2025 9’30 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
The Barbican is Europe’s largest multi-arts and conference venue presenting a diverse range of art, music, theatre, dance, film and education events. For more information about The Barbican and how to get there, find out more.
Barbican, Online
