Our esteemed Panel of Judges watched, assessed and debated the finer points of every single one of the films selected for competition. Read on to find out more about why each of our LIAF 2025 winners were awarded their accolades.
Best Film of the Festival Award: On Weary Wings Go By – Anu-Laura Tuttelberg
The winning film captivated us with its poetic vision and its masterful understanding of animation as a medium best suited to reveal the fragility and sensitivity of life. The characters are animated with raw elegance on 16mm and fully integrated in the natural landscapes of ever-changing seasonal cycles. The Best of the Fest Award goes to On Weary Wings Go By, directed by Anu-Laura Tuttelberg.
Best British Film Award: Film Film – Arturs Voblikovs
The award Best of British showcase goes to Film Film for achieving skilled raw craft with compelling visual storytelling combined with a humouristic approach and charm. For exploring current themes present in our social media culture of constant comparisons and not appreciating what’s right in front of us.
Best Sound Design Award: Ploo – Thies Mynther & Peter Brokhøj (Dir. by Jon Frickey)
The award for the best Sound Design goes to Ploo for creating a structure within the abstract soundscape and therefore elevating the visual artistry of the piece. For a fresh contemporary and playful approach that honours the nostalgia of the digital 90s.
Best Original Score Award: Dog Alone – Grilo (Dir. Marta Reis Andrade)
The Award for the Best Score goes to Dog Alone Marta Reis Andrade for building a parallel sound narrative driven by the nuanced string compositions. The music truly enhances the emotional climax of the film and takes us on a furry journey that feels like magic.
Best Abstract Film Award: Deluge – Meejin Hong
Our winner for the showcase is Deluge by Meejin Hong. We both loved it for its beguiling and enchanting qualities as it shifted between the calm and the eerie. It felt timely and appropriate in a world where things slowly shift and overwhelm around us and all seems out of control. Both the soundscape and animation were used wonderfully to capture this magical strangeness and it held a real power – so a big congratulations to Meejin.
Judge’s Honourable Mention – States of Matter by Marvin Hauck
We also wanted to give a special mention to States of Matter by Marvin Hauck, which used process and sound to delightful effect too.
Best Late Night Bizarre Award: Cowgirlies – Kate Costello
Nothing hypothetical about this. Strong characters, simple but effective design – and it’s funny.
Judge’s Honourable Mention – Ducks by A J Jefferies
Nothing lame about these ducks. We love the colours and design, the story and the tension. Well done A J Jefferies.
Best Music Video Award: Foxwarren – ‘Listen2Me’ by Winston Hacking
It’s a great song made even better by the video. A lot of work on show here and it pays off. Winston hacking has not only the best name in animation but he is also a master of mixed media. Great found footage and the art of stylish compositing. Much respect.
Judge’s Honourable Mention – Kiwihug – Small Town Madness! by Sujin Kim & Matt Au
I like the big green monsters and the mix of live-action and animation. Ambitious and entertaining.
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