Relaxed Screening/ New Animated Voices (15)

Wednesday 12 Nov 2025 - 10:40
HOME - Marina's Cinema
Runtime: 80 mins (approx.)

MAF proudly presents a chorus of new voices entering the world of animation, our showcase of student excellence screens short films that convey raw and powerful talent debuting here at the festival that have been crafted in the academic environment.

This relaxed screening is for a range of audience members who benefit from a less formal environment. This includes those with Autism Spectrum conditions, learning disabilities, Tourette's Syndrome, ADHD or people with other neurodiverse conditions. In a relaxed screening, you can expect low lights to remain on in the cinema and lower sound with audiences free to move around if needed. These screenings will be limited to 50% capacity.

This screening carries the following trigger warnings for content: Violence, Death and Dying, Racism.

Trigger warning content categories used are courtesy of the Film and TV Charity's advice: https://bit.ly/3VUsEF4

Films in this programme

The 12 Inch Pianist

Dir. Lucas Ansel // United States

A bar joke goes awry, unraveling into a surreal tale that explores the acceptance of self, others, and queer identity.

Double or Nothing

Dir. Tokay // Switzerland

A vicious property shark gambles at high risk in Tokyo's underworld, unaware that his real opponent is his own insatiable greed.

Urban Duo

Dir. Hongyu Yue // China

In the bustling noise of Shanghai, Longchang Apartment — a century-old building — seems like a haven from time. A father experiences a peaceful slow life here, where neighbours live in harmony. His son, on the other hand, is caught up in the fast pace of the city day after day. Their lives are parallel, yet starkly different...

Un tocco angelico

Dir. Nicole Golek // Poland

A silent, sandy impression of a secret affair between two Catholic priests. Their affection blooms between one bed of strawberries and another, in a garden next to an Italian rectory.

Between the Gaps

Dir. Martin Bonnin // France

Clément receives a telephone call from Tessa. It’s been a long time since they last spoke, and forgotten feelings rise to the surface. As nightfall approaches, he gets lost in the city.

Warp and Weft

Dir. Isolda Milenkovic // United Kingdom

An animated documentary short about traditional textile crafts. A love letter to the act of hand-making, traditional craft practices, and the people who love them.

Yet Only Here I Am Home

Dir. Michael Hauwert // Netherlands

How do second-generation Dutch people with a migration background see their native country? This hybrid documentary, filled with anecdotes and conversations, takes stock of the doubt around feeling at home in the Netherlands.

Two Point Five Stars

Dir. Sina Lerf, Dario Boger, Dario Marti // Switzerland

Robin sits at the reception desk of a hostel, as she does every day. She plays online chess to the monotonous melody of the lobby music. However, the pleasure of playing chess doesn't last long as various guests gather in the lobby and cause increasingly bizarre situations — until even Robin can't ignore the absurdity.

Arachnophobia

Dir. Melita Sandrin // Slovenia

Meta and Damjan are having their morning coffee. As he pours sugar into her coffee, an unwanted visitor falls into her drink.

Rise Age

Dir. Tatjana Theuer // Germany

Fluorescent critters groove through a coastal world, led by a superior chorus. A rhythmic poem of cute creatures, peer pressure and the urge to move to higher ground in time.

Trash

Dir. Gregory Bouzid, Maxime Crançon, Robin Delaporte , Mattéo Durand, Romain Fleischer, Alexis le Ral, Margaux Lutz, Fanny Vecchie // France

In a dark alley, a scrawny rat has no choice but to fight with a pigeon for a small slice of pizza. Without a second thought they throw themselves into a steep chase from the top to the bottom of the street.

The Eating of an Orange

Dir. May Kindred-Boothby // United Kingdom

A surreal and sensuous animated short film about convention, transformation and fluidity.

The Undying Pain of Existence

Dir. Oscar Jacobson // Germany

A nude model is posing with statuesque stillness for an elite drawing class — until an unfortunate mosquito bite challenges his self-control. Driven to madness by the itch, he’s caught between the ruthless demand for perfection and his most unhinged, animalistic impulses.