Like childhood, animation is full of wonder and simple pleasures. Come and take a mind-bending ride with us and watch 11 of the best short animated films, full of visually dazzling joy, from all around the world.
The London International Animation Festival has long been at the forefront of championing storytelling that inspires the imaginations of children and adults alike and this selection of films features diverse viewpoints and stories told in stylistically striking ways. A feast of seriously fun adventures and wondrous tales to spark those little imaginations.
Screens at The Garden Cinema, London
Archie – Ainslie Henderson, UK
Archie is devastated to learn of the death of his aunt. He makes the long journey to the home she’s left him in the Outer Hebrides and a new day brings renewed hope for Archie and his dog.
4 mins
Tony the Tiny Pony – Ned Wenlock, New Zealand
Listen up cowboys, cowgirls and cow-everybody else too: gather round to hear the story of a tiny pony named Tony.
4 mins
Hedgehog – Directors (various), France
A young boy, obsessed with hedgehogs, shares his love for them all the time with everybody.
5 mins
Heatwave – Folkion Xenos, UK
In the midst of a searing heatwave two little children find a way to cool everyone down.
7 mins
Lost and Found – Andrew Goldsmith & Bradley Slabe, Australia
A knitted toy dinosaur must completely unravel itself to save the love of its life.
8 mins
Gunpowder – Directors (various), France
lt’s teatime! Unfortunately for Phileas all his tea boxes are empty. He decides to get some from China!
5 mins
Good Heart – Evgeniya Jirkova, Russia
In a forest lives a primitive family. Mum is strict, crazy and grumpy. All she wants is that everyone eats well and is healthy.
5 mins
Hansel and Gretel – Shaun Clark & Magid El-Bushra, UK
Hansel and Gretel’s parents have fallen on hard times. The mother sends them out into the forest to find strawberries for supper, not realising that it is a dangerous place after dark.
6 mins
Senses – Directors (various), France
Colourful and soundless or noisy and black and white? Your choice!
6 mins
Latitude du Printemps – Directors (various), France
An abandoned dog by the side of the road, a young astronaut wannabe and a professional cyclist and the connection between all three.
7 mins
How much Does the Cloud Weigh? – Nina Bisyarina, Russia
A scientist is so concerned with observing the clouds that he fails to notice their beauty.
6 mins
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.
