We are delighted to welcome Edwin Rostron and Edge of Frame back to LIAF with two programmes of stunning films at the fertile intersection of animation, experimental film and artists’ moving image.
How to escape when the end is nigh? The works in this selection depict lives on the edges of minor and major apocalypses; worlds on the verge of collapse or fundamental change, where we find terror, absurdity, unexpected humour and unfathomable mysteries. These six extraordinary films tune into the desperation and dissolution of the contemporary moment with a life-affirming sense of experimentation and playfulness, and a no holds barred approach to animation.
This is the first of two Edge of Frame programmes at Close-Up Cinema. Find out about our second – Edge of Frame: Resonant Frequencies here.
Evacuations – Lilli Carré, USA
In this cel-animation, painted formless figures haunt recent photos of empty public spaces, expressing a frantic energy felt in our current moment. They are displaced from their locations, as environments dissolve and their printed record evaporates.
2025 7’00 min
Cinnamon, Thunderstorm – Jennifer Levonian, Spain, USA
After reading a magazine article titled “Six Tips for When You’re Dying Inside,” a woman holed up in her apartment follows the directive to “create a tranquil corner” in her home by lighting scented candles. The different smells combine and magically bestow her with the power to shoot flames out of her eyes and shapeshift.
2021 4’00 min
Tears for Narcissus – Laura Harrison, USA
A story about narcissism, the death of painting and the attempt to revive it with digital means, “reality” television and the American quest for endless life.
2013 8’00 min
Utilities Included – Noah Malone, USA
A loaded dishwasher and a clean conscience.
2016 3’00 min
Mess Mend – Karen Yasinsky, USA
“A music video for the song “Mess Mend” by Horse Lords from their album “Comradely Objects.” I had seen these very old 16mm medical films of men having seizures. The films are upsetting in many ways and I wanted to work with them and fragment them into something removed from the source so this invitation to make the video was perfectly timed. I also wanted to experiment with pure automatism which was really fun.“ – K.Y
2022 5’00 min
Jason’s Story – Yifan Jiang, James J.A. Mercer, USA, Canada
A FedX driver, a new mother, a manipulator and a fast-food employee drift past one another in a small town. If a stranger dies, does part of the world die with them? Jason’s Story explores the impassable spaces between people, a romance stranded nowhere in particular.
2025 30’00 min
Our Funding Partners
With Special Thanks to The Elf Factory, official sponsor of LIAF 2026.
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
Close-Up makes film culture and history accessible through its cinema programmes and Library. Established in 2005, Close-Up is the most comprehensive independent film resource in London. Find out more about Close-Up.
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