This programme takes a look at all aspects of emotion – 11 stunning films riffing on love, hate, jealousy, sensuality, melancholy, anxiety, confusion, fear, doubt and everything in between. Powerful, moving and with some vital messages for our times, these films are full of intense emotional depth and glorious visuals.
Independent animation is an art form that continues to thrive and develop as a breath-taking 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 86 new films from 41 countries around 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. 8 international competition programmes. Every technique, every genre, every style – this is your annual window into the international indie animation universe.
Think Something Nice – Claudia Gentinetta, Switzerland
At the mercy of the dentist’s chair the protagonist takes refuge from the pain with their fantasised story of fishermen and the sea.
2022 6 min
This film is not included in our online programme
Love Me True – Ines Sedan, France
Looking for love on online dating sites can be toxic. A tale of addiction in the quest to find a soul mate.
2022 7’45 min
A Crab in the Pool – Alexandra Myotte & Jean-Sébastien Hamel, Canada
In a run-down neighbourhood, Zoe and her little brother Theo are left to fend for themselves.
2023 11’10 min
This film is not included in our online programme
Bog – Éabha Bortolozzo & Jack Kirwan, Ireland
Oisin embarks on a poignant journey with the help of his guide, the Great Irish Elk. Through the mysterious layers of the Bog he discovers the buried memories of his Father.
2023 10’20 min
Legacy – Tamás Ivády, Hungary
A woman has lost her grandmother. Her apartment is now lifeless, only a few boxes lie in the living room. But is that really all that is left behind her?
2022 9 min
Misaligned – Marta Magnuska, Poland/Latvia
A fly rotates around a lightbulb, a spoon turns in a cup. Everything moves in circles including the life of a couple. Scenes of a marriage, reflected in the yellow eyes of a gecko.
2022 6’55 min
After the After Party – Jess Mountfield, UK
After a couple of drinks, a girl admits to her best friend that she’s always wanted to know what it feels like to be kissed by a girl. But how will they feel, and has their friendship been altered forever?
2022 2’55 min
How I Grew Up – Yufei Liu, Yike Cen & Jiawei Li, China
Fear and doubt can be crippling emotions. A subtle observation of a young person coming of age.
2022 7’45 min
Rising Above – Natálie Durchánková, Czech Republic
A journey of healing and self-discovery as told by a survivor who almost lost her life in a violent sexually motivated assault.
2023 4’15 min
Crush – Jakub Socha & Michal Socha, Poland
An ambitious thief wants to steal a precious diamond from a heavily guarded vault. On his way, he unexpectedly faces competition – a femme fatale who appeared for the same purpose.
2022 6’20 min
27 – Flóra Anna Buda, Hungary/France
Alice lives at her parents’ place at the age of 27 with no private life or a relationship. Her birthday night out ends in a bicycle accident and a short coma which makes her realise, it’s time to move out.
2023 10’45 min
Our Funding Partners
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
