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. 7 longer short films, 7 thoughtful and complex stories.
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 77 outstanding new films from 30 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.
Several filmmakers will be in attendance to introduce their films at the start of the screening.
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Strange Teen Spirit – Frank Ternier, France
Anton is about 15 years old. He observes. Alone. A phosphorescent green trail descends from the rocky plateaus and flows over the city. No one notices. Not even Kata and her gang, who run, tag, sing, scream. Anton dreams of joining them.
2024 15’40 min
This film is not included in our online programme
Can you Hear Me? – Anastazja Naumenko, Poland
Nastia, who has lived abroad for years, starts to teach her mum how to use the Internet. Different perceptions of technology become the starting point for exposing intergenerational conflicts and long-forgotten family threads. Can an intimacy regained via zoom be a turning point for the future relationship between two adults?
2025 15’00 min
La Vie avec un Idiot – Theodore Ushev, France
Accused by the authorities of not working hard enough, Vladimir is forced to live with an idiot as punishment. He chooses him from an asylum and his name is Vova. This idiot can only pronounce one syllable: ooh.
2025 18’00 min
This film is not included in our online programme
Autokar – Sylwia Szkiladz, Poland
In the 1990s, 8-year-old Agata leaves Poland for Belgium. Through her eyes, the reality of migration becomes an initiatory experience.
2025 17’30 min
This film is not included in our online programme
Ploo – Jon Frickey, Germany
“If it keeps starting over, it must be forever”, says the white moth. But a gentle whisper breathes in each dawn, “one day, all days will be gone”. Ploo blends attributes of vector graphics and screen display technology with the human condition.
2025 15’10 min
The Golden Donkey – Anne Verbeure, Belgium
As the people of a medieval village celebrate the beginning of summer, the royal family experiences an identity crisis. The king thinks he’s made of glass, the princess dreams of becoming the king and the prince is trapped in the body of a donkey.
2024 15’35 min
Signal – Emma Carré & Mathilde Parquet, Belgium / France
Claudie is passionate about her unusual job: scanning the cosmos for signs of extraterrestrial life, hoping to make contact. Completely absorbed in her mission, she gradually loses touch with those around her, and even reality itself could fade away.
2025 16’45 min
Our Funding Partners
With Special Thanks to The Elf Factory, official sponsor of LIAF 2025.
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
