This programme examines some big life moments and asks some pointed questions. The 10 powerful films include a breathtaking take on an author’s experience with mescaline, the internal struggles of a group of female gymnasts, a humorous animated road movie documenting Poland during the communist era and a touching mother-daughter relationship.
Independent animation remains a dynamic and evolving art form, showcasing a stunning array of styles, materials, and techniques—from hand-drawn and paint-on-glass to collage, sculpture, cut-outs, puppetry, abstract forms, and innovative CGI. This year’s LIAF highlights the most diverse and exciting developments within this vibrant medium.
After sorting through a huge pile of 2,400 entries, we’ve curated a selection of 83 outstanding new films from 31 countries. These films range from humorous and dramatic to bizarre, subtle, frightening, and autobiographical. What they all share is our belief that they represent the best of the best. These 8 international competition programmes showcase a variety of techniques, genres, and styles. This is your annual glimpse into the vibrant world of international indie animation.
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The Last Drop – Anna Tőkés, Hungary
Kata is a member of the national rhythmic gymnastics team that is exposed to extreme coaching techniques. The pressure on her is building, and the finals are near.
2024 10’40 min
Misérable Miracle – Ryo Orikasa, Japan/Canada/France
Inspired by the poems and drawings of Henri Michaux, this film takes animation to the breathtaking limits of language and perception.
2023 8’15 min
All Futures – Barbara Cerro, France/Argentina
The arrival and evolution of humanity on Somnum, a virgin planet where night is eternal.
2024 11’55 min
On Hold – Delia Hess, Switzerland
A young woman is stuck in the hold queue of a telephone hotline. A surreal episodic short film about the absurdities of urban life and the frustration of a paralysing standstill.
2024 7’10 min
Surprisingly Beautiful – Kathryn Jankowski, Canada
An unsuspecting artist is moved by a visit from a seemingly banal moth. As events unfold into the final fleeting moments, a hidden marvel is revealed which the artist fights to preserve.
2024 7’00 min
Earth Coal – Bastien Dupriez, France
In the countryside of the past, within the mines and factories, these men appear to share similar sorrows. There seems to be something that resonates with us today—whether it’s a genuine connection or merely the simplicity of everyday life.
2024 12’45 min
Box – Aline Schoch, Switzerland
In a regulated system, different figures live isolated from each other in their boxes. They draw, cut, fold and stack the paper boxes on top of each other. As the stacks get higher and higher and collapse, the figures find each other and discover life together.
2024 8’00 min
This film is not included in our online programme
It Shouldn’t Rain Tomorrow – Maria Trigo Teixeira, Portugal/Germany
As she gets older, Oma’s perception begins to change. While her daughter tries to adapt to her new situation, she seems to sink deeper and deeper into herself.
2024 11’15 min
This film is not included in our online programme
Circle – Yumi Joung, South Korea
A girl draws a circle on the ground. Passers-by step into it, one by one. Soon the circle is full of people struggling to make room for each other. Once the girl returns and erases the circle, people start heading on their way.
2024 6’55 min
The Car that came back from the Sea – Jadwiga Kowalska, Poland
Six friends drive to the Polish Baltic coast and back in a small, beaten-up car. During their trip, their car and their country fall apart.
2023 10’45 min
This film is not included in our online programme
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
