We’ve selected 20 of the best short animated films from the most recent editions of the UK’s largest, longest-running animation festival – films full of visually dazzling joy from all around the world, for kids of all ages and the whole family.
Programme 1 is aimed at younger kids, 0-7 year-olds and Programme 2 is for older kids, 8-15 year-olds but both programmes can be enjoyed by children and their families of all ages.
Like childhood, animation is full of wonder and simple pleasures. 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.
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Finding Play – Dan Castro, UK
Timothy Quiche has forgotten how to play. Or has he? Maybe he’s just been looking in the wrong places. A short film about not overthinking things and rekindling the joys of play.
2024 3 mins
The Girl with the Occupied Eyes – André Carrilho, Portugal
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who, even when out and about, was always distracted. Her eyes fixed on her phone, she didn’t notice the world around her or anyone who wanted to play.
2024 8 mins
One Track Mind – Faye Isherwood-Wallace, UK
Sophia the squirrel embarks on a journey of self-discovery, helping her navigate emotions of grief after the loss of a close friend.
2024 7 mins
Animanimusical – Julia Ocker, Germany
The Animanimals want to perform a big musical performance but somebody got the wrong notes.
2024 3 mins
A Clayful Adventure – Florrie Macleod, UK
Discarded Clay takes on Smug Ceramic with shocking consequences. Can they learn to understand and accept one another?
2025 4 mins
Mildred the Gallery Cat – Jono Ganz, UK
Everyone thinks Mildred is the laziest cat in the world – but when the gallery closes for the day, Mildred actually explores the empty galleries and imagines her life as an artist.
2024 6 mins
First Flight – Adrian Jaffé, Germany
Three baby birds, one big challenge – their first flight! But as the frogs begin their peculiar performance, the sky turns into a whirlwind of improvisation – some birds twirl, some hover, and others just hope for the best.
2025 3 mins
Poong – Laurent Rohrbasser, Robin Szymczak & Vinh Nguyen, Switzerland
The unexpected adventure of a simple ping-pong ball after a missed shot.
2024 2 mins
Snip Snap – Douglas Irvine & Eleanor Stewart, UK
When a little girl’s pair of scissors turns into an enormous crocodile, a world filled with imagination and adventure unfolds.
2025 8 mins
Monster – Eric Giessmann & Piers Goffart, Germany
A monster, desperate to fit in among humans, hides behind a human disguise but is forced to confront the truth about himself when a visit to an indoor pool leads to a dramatic unravelling of his identity.
2024 5 mins
The Naughty Seat – David Johnson, UK
A mischievous little penguin, misbehaving at the dinner table, is sent off to the naughty seat and it’s not long before he has company!
2025 7 mins
A Pain in the Butt – Elena Walf, Germany
The hedgehog is just about to go into hibernation when he notices that one of his spines is missing. It’s stuck in Lena’s dog’s bottom, of all places. Getting it back won’t be easy…
2025 6 mins
