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Welcome to our annual deep-dive into the dark heart of animation. Here you will find films of ghosts, scary deceased dogs, insane monkeys, the horror of war and themes of revenge, suffering, and apprehension. Step in, take a seat, let’s turn out the light and get ready for our annual showcase of all manner of dark, creepy, violent and spooky films.
Independent animation is an art form that continues to thrive and develop as a breathtaking medley of styles, materials, techniques and production – from hand-drawn, paint on glass, collage, sculpture, cut-outs, puppets, abstract to some of the more interesting developments in CGI – all of which can be seen at this year’s LIAF.
We’ve emerged from under the pile of 2,400 entries to put together a series of screenings that showcase the best 80 new films from every corner of the world. They can be funny, dramatic, bizarre, subdued, scary or autobiographical. The one thing they have in common is that we think they’re the pick of the crop.
Eight international competition programmes. Every technique, every genre, every style – this is your annual window into the international indie animation universe.
Steakhouse – Spela Cadez, Slovenia/Germany/France
The steak has been marinating for a few days now. The pan is heated. Franc’s stomach is rumbling. But Liza’s co-workers surprise her with a birthday party. Will she be home on time?
2020 9 min
Dad is Gone – Pere Ginard, Spain
Ghost Dogs – Joe Cappa, USA
Hide – Daniel Benjamin Gray, Hungary/Canada
Two brothers entertain themselves with a game of hide and seek. As one counts, the other hides in a small cabinet. Seconds pass… then minutes… years… and decades.
2020 11 min
Cut it Out – Inez Kristina, Denmark
Tara attempts to defuse a bomb in a school leading to a surrealistic situation she has to escape from.
2021 7 min
Something in the Garden – Marcos Sanchez, Chile
Memento Mori – Paul O’Flanagan, Ireland
A post-mortem photographer receives his latest subject, a recently deceased young woman.
2021 9 min
Night Bus – Joe Hsieh, Taiwan
A tale of love, hatred and vengeance featuring a speedy bus, a stolen necklace and monkeys.
2020 20 min
Clara with a Mustache – Ilir Blakcori, Kosovo
A 100 deutsche mark banknote with a beautiful portrait of Clara Schumann – travelling from one person to another, unveiling their stories and perspectives.
2021 10 min
Our Funding Partners
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.
