Some films need extra time to develop their themes, to grow and draw us more comprehensively into their worlds. It takes time to think. Reflection tends to work best at a slower tempo. This competition programme is dedicated to showcasing the best of these longer films. 6 longer short films, 6 thoughtful and complex stories.
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.
Eeva – Lucija Mrzljak & Morten Tsinakov, Estonia/Croatia
It is pouring down with rain at the funeral. There are many tears, too much wine, several woodpeckers and a handful of dreams to fill in the gaps.
2022 16’00 min
Wild Summon – Saul Freed & Karni Arieli, UK
A natural history fantasy film, following the dramatic life cycle of the wild salmon in human form, with narration by Marianne Faithfull.
2023 14’30 min
Antipolis – Kaspar Jancis, Estonia
Some people believe that the Earth is flat – and then there are those who think that somewhere, under the Crust of the Earth, another civilisation exists. The occupants of Antipolis have no idea that they are living inside a gigantic globe. Getting to know this is a sobering shock.
2023 25’30 min
Temporarily Removed – Yoav Brill, Israel
Deep inside a municipal art museum, a single guard is the sole queen of a small exhibition. When being forced to leave the room, her exile becomes a journey in search of a new home.
2023 13’30 min
The Family Portrait – Lea Vidakovic, Croatia
As Austro-Hungary teeters on collapse, Andras and his daughter are taken aback by the visit from Andras’ unpredictable brother, Zoltan, who comes accompanied by his large family.
2023 14’45 min
My Year of Dicks – Sara Gunnarsdottir, USA/Iceland
Hilarious and genre-mashing, an imaginative fifteen year-old is stubbornly determined to lose her virginity despite the pathetic pickings in the outskirts of Houston in the early 90’s.
2022 25’40 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
