LIAF has been screening the world’s best animated films for the last seven years. We’ve received more than 10,000 entries, screened more than 1,500 films and had some of the most talented animators in the world come and hang out with us.
In celebration of moving to our new venue; The Barbican, we have put together a very special session of the ten best films that have ever screened at LIAF… in our opinion! See if you agree. Expect to see Kermit-like frogs, a rare John Lennon homage, notorious teen abuse, a 152 year old man and much more.
Plus onstage Q&A with Joseph Pierce, Robert Morgan and Elizabeth Hobbs.
Find out more about The Barbican Gallery’s ‘Watch Me Move: The Animation Show’
‘The Curse of the Voodoo Child’ (Steven Woloshen, 2005)
A scratch animation mash-up between a 1957 Hammer horror flick with Peter Cushing and a seminal scorcher from Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Electric Ladyland’.
Canada, 3’30
‘Son of Satan’ (J J Villard, 2005)
‘Best Film’ LIAF, 2005
Music by Iggy Pop and Beethoven, story by Charles Bukowski – a raw, urgent punk scream against the pain of abuse, bullying and the cyclical nature of violence.
USA, 12’50
‘Camera Obscura’ (M Buchalski, J Dreschler, T Onillon, 2007)
‘Best Graduation Film’ Annecy, 2007
If Dali had been given a computer, this is what he might have created. Is this the crazed inner visions of a mind exposed, or a ‘Clockwork Orange’-like attempt to impose a different view on the mind’s eye?
France, 7’15
‘I Met the Walrus’ (Josh Raskin, 2007)
‘Academy Award’ Nominee, 2007
As John Lennon holed up in a Montreal hotel room waiting for clearance to enter the USA, an intrepid 14 year-old managed to talk his way into Lennon’s room and record a 20 minute interview, perfectly capturing the Beatle’s views on the world as he saw it.
Canada, 5’25
‘The Old, Old, Very Old Man’ (Elizabeth Hobbs, 2007)
In 1635, the 152 year-old Thomas Parr was taken on a journey to meet King Charles I, who ordered an immediate celebration of his longevity, with fatal consequences. Animated with blue ink on a white tile.
UK, 7’00
‘Stand Up’ (Joseph Pierce, 2008)
‘Jury’s Prize’ Rencontres Festival, 2008 and ‘Best British Film’ LIAF, 2008
Car-crash comedy at its most compulsive. John Jones – comedy performer, performs to an unforgiving audience. Slowly his body rebels against him and the truth behind the one-liners leaks through the cracks.
UK, 6’30
‘I Am So Proud of You’ (Don Hertzfeldt, 2008)
‘Best Short Film’ Animage Festival, 2010 and ‘Best Film’ Fargo Film Festival, 2009
Bill’s life and family history are filled with bad luck, illness and tragedy. And humour! A tour-de-force of animation from the frenetic pen of one of the animation world’s true stars.
USA, 22’00
‘Ark’ (Grzegorz Jonkatjys, 2007)
‘Award of Distinction’ PrixArs, 2007, ‘Official Selection’ Cannes, 2007 and ‘Best of Show’ Siggraph, 2007
An unknown virus has destroyed almost the entire human population. Oblivious to the true nature of the disease, the only remaining survivors escape to the sea. In great ships, they set off in search of uninhabited land. So begins the exodus, led by one man…
Poland, 2007
‘Bobby Yeah’ (Robert Morgan, 2011)
Bobby Yeah is a petty thug who likes brawling and stealing stuff. One day he steals a creature from its dangerous owners, and finds himself in a lot of trouble. He really should learn, but he just can’t help himself…
UK, 30’00
