Some stories refuse to be rushed. They need time to unfold, their worlds to deepen and their ideas to settle in. In a culture of ever-faster viewing, these films invite us to slow down—to look closer, think longer and become fully immersed in stories that reward our attention. This competition programme celebrates the best of the longer short film: 6 ambitious films with the space to breathe, linger and take us somewhere unexpected. 6 longer shorts. 6 rich, complex worlds. Take your time.
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 2,300 entries, we’ve curated a selection of 75 outstanding new films from 29 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.
Adgwa-Ata – Zsuzsana Kreif, Hungary, France
Abducted into a jungle tribe’s brutal initiation, three adolescent girls enter a divine dimension – where taming their soul animals, giant snakes become the only path to adulthood.
2026 15’10 min
If you buy an online ticket for this programme, this film is only viewable in the UK.
Paper Trail – Don Hertzfeldt, USA
What does the trail we leave on paper over the course of a lifetime say about us? In a vertiginous flow of marks, words and drawings, Paper Trail reconstructs an entire life through fragments of paper alone – from childhood scribbles to school exercises, notes, forms and signatures – tracing the evolution of handwriting and identity.
2025 14’10 min
Frankenstein’s Dream – Simon Pummell, Belgium, Netherlands
Do we control technology and language,or are they parasites that use us as a host and breeding ground? In Frankenstein’s Dream strange satellites release spores over foraging humanoids. The infected creatures struggle towards speech, but the technology demands a bloody price.
2025 14’00 min
Motherhood – Anca Damian, Belgium, France, Romania
The female body and the mystery of creating new life, as well as the bond between mother and child, are at the heart of humanity.
2026 17’50 min
Of Pigeons and Dogs – Malte Stein, Croatia, Germany
A young man drifts further into an existential despair. Surrendering to loneliness and overwhelmed by financial hardship, he drifts through life in a daze until he is driven to commit a senseless crime.
2026 20’00 min
If you buy an online ticket for this programme, this film is only viewable in the UK.
Like a Fairy Tale – Kirill Khachaturov, France, Luxembourg
After a long absence, Stasia returns to her hometown. She missed her father’s funeral and is reunited with her sister, with whom she struggles to communicate. While dealing with her family issues, Stasia encounters a group of locals on the road who take her on a strange, hypnotic night-time journey.
2025 16’10 min
Our Funding Partners
With Special Thanks to The Elf Factory, official sponsor of LIAF 2026.
With Special Thanks to the Arts Council England
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
