The backbone of the whole LIAF mission. We’ve emerged from under the pile of 2,600 entries to put together a series of screenings that showcase the best 117 new films from every corner of the world. The one thing they have in common is that we think they’re the pick of the crop. This is your annual window into the international indie animation universe.
This programme takes a look at all aspects of emotion – love and hate, sadness, anxiety and confusion. Subjects range from a poetic depiction of female sexuality through the ages, the wounds of heartbreak and trauma in the First World War, a wild adventure to find a stolen heart, and the awkwardness of puberty – when your best friend becomes something more.
At Barbican book tickets
Between the Shadows (Alice Guimaraes & Monica Santos, Portugal)
In a surreal world where hearts can be deposited in banks so people can avoid falling in love, Natalia sets out an adventure with a man to help him find his stolen heart.
2018, 13min
I’m OK (Elizabeth Hobbs, UK/Canada)
In 1917, Austrian artist Oskar Kokoschka was in hospital, injured and shell-shocked from World War I, and heartbroken from the end of a famous love affair.
2018, 6min
Bloeistraat 11 (Nienke Deutz, Belgium/Netherlands)
A summer friendship is tested when puberty knocks on the door, bodies start to change and an awkwardness descends.
2018, 10min
Simbiosis Carnal (Rocio Alvarez, Belgium)
A poetic journey through the history of desire and sexuality where female pleasure, long ignored and repressed, takes pride of place.
2017, 10min
Love He Said (Ines Sedan, France)
San Francisco, 1973. Underground poet Charles Bukowski reads his poem ‘Love’ to a wild audience. They witness a broken man searching for love.
2018, 6min
Him & Her (Nathalie Lamb, Germany)
This long-distance relationship is kept on track by the power of imagination and the fantasy of a magical treehouse.
2018, 8min
Cyclists (Veljko Popovic, Croatia)
The cycling season is nearing its grand finale. During the final race, two men are competing for more than the Grand Trophy; they are fighting for the affection of a lady and fulfilment of their erotic fantasies.
2018, 7min
Double Portrait (Ian Bruce, UK)
A gorgeously hand-painted romantic picture of everlasting love, loss, separation and worldwide adventures.
2018, 6min
Impossible Figures and Other Stories 111 (Marta Pajek, Poland)
A middle-aged woman and man meet in a waiting room. He helps her take off her black fur coat that covers her naked body. The game of seduction begins.
2018, 12min
Waaah (Sawako Kabuki, Japan)
A baby cries and cries and cries. And then what? There is no substitute for the ultimate pacifier.
2018, 1min
