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Animated Answers: 3D Printing

Helping us navigate the world of 3D printing our panel of experts are on hand to listen to your questions and offer their animated answers.

Animated Answers: A.I., A.I. Oh.

In this session experts will dive deep into the world of AI, what and it means for the future of animation production and creativity in general. Our panelists are on hand to listen to your questions and offer their animated answers.

Animated Answers: Finding Your Voice

All you ever needed to know about using a voice over artists or becoming one yourself! In this Animated Answers session we meet professionals who know how to talk the talk. We go behind the mic on one of the most important roles in most animated productions and our panel of experts are on hand to listen to your questions and offer their animated answers.

Animated Answers: Picking Platforms

To find out more about the changing world of content distribution and help us get our head around picking the right platform our panelists are on hand to listen to your questions and offer their animated answers.

Animated Commercial Curiosities (18)

Those wonderful short films we see again and again, music videos, interstitials, adverts, explainers and more demonstrate a wealth of animation styles and ideas. Come and see the very best creative responses that shape the world around us.

Animated Commercial Curiosities (18)

Animated Immersive Experiences (18)

A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.

Animated Immersive Experiences (18)

A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.

Animated Immersive Experiences (18)

A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.

Animated Immersive Experiences (18)

A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.

Animation Mixtape: Part 1 (18)

Whether you’re an animation aficionado or this is your first experience beyond the mainstream let MAF welcome you to the world of animation with our selection of international short films playing in competition.

Animation Mixtape: Part 1 (18)

Animation Mixtape: Part 2 (15)

Art of the Multiplane

Joining us to discuss this alluring art form are a panel of artists and technicians who see the beauty in the blemishes and the charm in the craft for a multi layered, multi facetted appreciation of the art of the multiplane.

Art of the Multiplane Screening (15)

With a multiplane camera, a bag of sand (or coloured salt), ink, cardboard or paint, some of the most beloved animated shorts ever made have been created in this way.

BBC Family Box Set (U)

Presenting a “blam-tastic” boxset of family favourites from CBeebies and CBBC featuring Hey Duggee, Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed, Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese, Ninja Express, Shaun the Sheep and more!

BBC Ignite – Meet British Animation’s New Voices

Meet some of the Creators from the projects which have been chosen to participate in the latest stages of the Ignite programme launched by BBC Children’s & Education last year!

CEO Roundtable

An opportunity for CEOs and senior members of animation companies to gather and discuss important industry issues in a confidential environment. This is an invite only roundtable.

Danger Mouse Monday! (U)

He’s the greatest, he’s fantastic and for one day every one of his classic adventures will be playing back to back at Manchester City Library. Come and join us for Danger Mouse Day, a free screening as part of Manchester Animation Festival 2022.

Denis Do: Works in Progress

Join acclaimed Funan director Denis Do as he presents a behind the scenes look at his two upcoming projects Sorya and The Forest of Miss Tang.

Educating Animators Conference 2022

For five years Manchester Animation Festival and the University of Salford have been proud to present Educating Animators, a discussion that progresses the creative curriculum and bridges the gap between academia and industry. This year Educating Animators returns!

Feature Attractions!

Join us as we discuss the feature film eco system and what innovations are ensuring new audiences can be reached.

Fellowship 2022: Camilla Deakin & Ruth Fielding of Lupus Films

Celebrating an incredible two decades and collecting the Manchester Animation Festival Fellowship Award 2022 are Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding of Lupus Films. Join us as we take a look back on some of their favourite films, get a preview of what is to come and hear the story behind this incredible studio.

Online Event

From the Fest: Fellowship 2022 Camilla Deakin & Ruth Fielding

Celebrating an incredible two decades and collecting the Manchester Animation Festival Fellowship Award 2022 are Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding of Lupus Films. Watch this recording of the event at MAF as we take a look back on some of their favourite films, get a preview of what is to come and hear the story behind this incredible studio.

Online Event

From the Fest: In The Frame: Taking Animation Seriously

Catch up with our yearly introspective look at the animation industry this year we will ask how we can get distributors, streamers and the public at large to take animation seriously and what cultural barriers or misunderstandings might be getting in the way of this goal. Recorded during the festival!

Online Event

From the Fest: Mackinnon & Saunders at 30

Celebrating the inspiring creativity of the company and the brilliant artists within it, watch this wonderful event where Ian Mackinnon and Peter Saunders attended to Manchester Animation Festival for a look at their favourite projects to compliment an exhibition held at The Waterside in Sale. Join us too for a look back at Mackinnon and Saunders at 30.

Online Event

From the Fest: Making of Dead End: Paranormal Park

Recorded live during MAF, Dead End creator Hamish Steele and Series Producer Jen Coatsworth take us behind the scenes of this Netflix mega-hit!

Online Event

From the Fest: Making of Lloyd of the Flies

Catch up with this event from the festival where we were joined by creator/director Matt Walker and co-director Jane Davies at the festival for a big look at Aardman Animation’s tiniest new star.

Gala Screening: Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio (PG)

This whimsical, stop-motion film directed by Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson follows the mischievous and disobedient adventures of Pinocchio in his pursuit of a place in the world.

Gala Screening: My Father’s Dragon + Introduction (PG)

Struggling to cope after a move to the city with his mother, Elmer runs away in search of Wild Island and a young dragon who waits to be rescued. Elmer’s adventures introduce him to ferocious beasts, a mysterious island and the friendship of a lifetime.

Ghibliotheque Book Signing

Join Michael Leader and Jake Cunningham, hosts of the Ghibliotheque Podcast for an opportunity to get hold of a signed copy of The Ghibliotheque Anime Movie Guide, which charts a path through the wildly creative and influential anime industry with 30 standout feature films, from Akira to Your Name.

Hey Duggee Character Workshop: Session 1

Hey Duggee designer Ross Phillips will show you the secrets behind creating cartoon characters. You’ll learn how to draw in the Duggee style and earn your Character Workshop Badge!

Hey Duggee Character Workshop: Session 2

Hey Duggee designer Ross Phillips will show you the secrets behind creating cartoon characters. You’ll learn how to draw in the Duggee style and earn your Character Workshop Badge!

How to Pitch

Join experts from the TV world and feature film world alongside broadcasters and commissioners for a deep dive into the world of pitching for different platforms.

IEA Roundtable: Character Design

Candid conversations about the art and craft of industry are had with our Industry Excellence Roundtable. In this session join Character Design as they discuss their process and experience.

IEA Roundtable: Scriptwriting

Candid conversations about the art and craft of industry are had with our Industry Excellence Roundtable. In this session join Scriptwriters as they discuss their process and experience.

IEA Workshop: Character Animation

The MAF Industry Excellence Award Workshops allow experts to deliver intimate workshops to small groups of people, focusing on specialist subjects and giving insider information and top tips from those at the top of their game!

IEA Workshop: Character Animation

IEA Workshop: Character Design

IEA Workshop: Scriptwriting

IEA Workshop: Storyboarding

In The Frame: Taking Animation Seriously

As part of our yearly introspective look at the animation industry this year we will ask how we can get distributors, streamers and the public at large to take animation seriously and what cultural barriers or misunderstandings might be getting in the way of this goal.

Industry Day Drinks Reception (18)

After a full engaging day of panels and sessions at Anthony Burgess Foundation, we invite all Industry Day attendees back to HOME for a complimentary drink and networking ahead of the MAF 2022 awards!

Industry Day Welcome

Welcome to the first in person Industry Day at Manchester Animation Festival! Before we start a day of enlightening talks, business opportunity and sector exploration, join us for a coffee to kick start the day. Supported by Kilogramme Animation Studio.

Industry Insiders

In this event we welcome industry experts from the world of animation to cover a wide range of subjects we can all relate to. These short engaging talks are must see for anyone in industry.

Into The Archives: Cosgrove Hall Films

Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Cosgrove Hall as we delve into the archives and look back at some of the object and stories that demonstrate the lineage of one of the greatest animation studios to ever exist. If you’re a fan of dynamite dodging Danger Mouse, dopey dragon Chorlton and his wheelie companions, the theatrical exploits of Mr Toad or the vampire duck with stars in his eyes – Duckula, this event is not to be missed.

Lupus Films on Loop (U)

From classic literature to classic animation you can see these Lupus Films on a loop all day at Manchester Central Library as part of Manchester Animation Festival 2022.

Lupus Films on Loop (U)

From classic literature to classic animation you can see these Lupus Films on a loop all day at Manchester Central Library as part of Manchester Animation Festival 2022.

Mackinnon & Saunders at 30

Celebrating the inspiring creativity of the company and the brilliant artists within it, Ian Mackinnon and Peter Saunders come to Manchester Animation Festival for a look at their favourite projects to compliment an exhibition held at The Waterside in Sale. Join us too for a look back at Mackinnon and Saunders at 30.

Mackinnon & Saunders: 30 Years and Beyond

Join Waterside Arts Centre, Creative Industries Trafford and the Cosgrove Hall Film Archive to celebrate 30 years of the persistence of vision of a team of local animators and model-makers, which has connected with audiences around the world. The exhibition will showcase the skill and artistry behind some of the most iconic characters from stop motion animation.

MAF 2022 Award Ceremony

Join us for the climax to the festival as we hand out the coveted Manchester Animation Festival trophies and Industry Excellence Awards, crafted by master model makers Mackinnon and Saunders.

Online Event

MAF 2022 Short Films Online: Part 1 (18)

Online Event

MAF 2022 Short Films Online: Part 2 (15)

Online Event

MAF 2022 Student Films Online (18)

A selection of some of the best student films from the Festival screening for our online delegation to enjoy.

MAF Marketplace

Come one, come all down to the MAF Marketplace. The marketplace is a free place to come and meet up with companies and suppliers from the world of animation for recruitment, portfolio reviews, IP and legal advice, funding and lots more.

MAFter Dark (18)

What’s better than an evening in the pub? An evening in the pub filled with animation! Join us for a lively assembly of animated amusements and pick your winning film at MAFter Dark 2022!

Making it in Manchester

Come and get a behind the scenes look at companies big and small all working on amazing games here in the North-West and put your questions to them.

Making of: Dead End: Paranormal Park

Joining us MAF are Dead End creator Hamish Steele and Series Producer Jen Coatsworth to take us behind the scenes of this Netflix mega-hit!

Making of: Lloyd of the Flies

This news CITV series has been produced by Aardman and we’re delighted to be joined by creator/director Matt Walker and co-director Jane Davies for a big look at Aardman Animation’s tiniest new star.

Making of: My Father’s Dragon

We are very lucky to be joined by director Nora Twomey who will take us through the adventure that was the making of Cartoon Saloon’s latest masterpiece My Father’s Dragon.

Making of: The Island

The Island’s visionary director Anca Damian joins us at MAF to take us behind the scenes on this animated musical experience.

Meet the Puppets: Cosgrove Hall Film Archive

From 1976 onwards some of the most memorable animated characters to come from the UK came out of Cosgrove Hall, a local company based in Chorlton. Whilst the studio has long since closed its doors, characters such as Danger Mouse, Duckula, The Wind in the Willows and Chorlton and the Wheelies live on in the fond memories of animation fans everywhere. Thanks to the work of the Cosgrove Hall Film Archive, you can see materials from the studio, meet the puppets, see the cels and put your questions to the experts in this unique meet and greet experience.

Meet The Puppets: Mackinnon & Saunders

Ian Mackinnon and Peter Saunders bring a selection of their favourite puppets from 30 years of working together at Mackinnon and Saunders. Come and meet some animation superstars in puppet and in person!

My Father’s Dragon (PG)

My Love Affair With Marriage (15)

My Love Affair with Marriage follows lovelorn Zelma, but the more she tries to conform, the more her body resists in this story about acceptance and inner female rebellion.

My Love Affair With Marriage + Recorded Q&A (15)

My Love Affair with Marriage follows lovelorn Zelma, but the more she tries to conform, the more her body resists in this story about acceptance and inner female rebellion.

Nayola (15)

Following three generations of women in a 25-year-long civil war in Angola, Nayola sees past and present interlace. The mother goes in search of her missing husband at the height of the war and doesn’t return. Her daughter has become a subversive rapper while her grandmother tries to contain her for fear of the police coming to arrest her.

Nayola (15)

New Animated Voices: Part 1 (18)

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.

New Animated Voices: Part 1 (18)

New Animated Voices: Part 2 (18)

No Dogs or Italians Allowed (15)

Set in the early 20th century and chronicling the lives of the Ughetto family in Northern Italy, the Ughettos dream of a better life abroad. His grandson travels back in time through the magic of animation to revisit his family history.

No Dogs or Italians Allowed (15)

Northwestivus (18)

Join animators and animation fans for a chance to laugh, cry, network, gossip, mingle, commune and drink proper northern beer until last orders at the bar!

Online Event

Online Short Film Directors Q&A

We chat online to the directors of some of the most innovative animated short films around screening in competition at MAF 2022 who couldn’t make it to the festival in person!

Want to check out the whole online offering and/or attend the festival in person? Browse our passes here!

Online Event

Online Student Film Directors Q&A

We chat online to the directors of some of the most innovative animated student films around screening in competition at MAF 2022 who couldn’t make it to the festival in person!

Oska Bright Animation Showcase (15)

Join us for a special curated screening from Oska Bright Film Festival, the world’s leading festival for films made by or featuring people with learning disabilities or autism.

Perfect Blue: 25th Anniversary (18)

Directed by the late Satoshi Kon and critically acclaimed as one of the finest examples of an animated thriller, Perfect Blue will leave you shocked and more than a little spooked.

Pitching Surgeries

Professionals from across industry are coming to MAF in order to seek out talent. Book your slot for a portfolio review.

Portfolio Reviews

Professionals from across industry are coming to MAF in order to seek out talent. Book your slot for a portfolio review.

Satoshi Kon: The Illusionist + Live Ghibliotheque Podcast

This UK premiere screening will be introduced by Michael Leader and Jake Cunningham of the Ghibliotheque podcast, who explored Satoshi Kon’s filmography in-depth in their ‘Konology’ miniseries, and have written about Kon’s kaleidoscopic tribute to Japanese cinema, Millennium Actress, in their new book, The Ghibliotheque Anime Movie Guide. Following the screening, Michael and Jake will discuss the documentary and what it reveals about Kon’s films, life and enduring influence.

Sensitive Content + Pre-Recorded Q&A (18)

Hundreds of millions of people from different eras, cultures and corners of the world felt the unbearable pain and horror of the war. Sensitive Content includes seven author’s animations that help us feel that we are not alone.

Short Film Directors Q&A

Meet the directors and ask them questions about some of your favourite animated short films screening in competition at this years festival.

Short Film Directors Q&A

Meet the directors and ask them questions about some of your favourite animated short films screening in competition at this years festival.

Short Film Panorama (18)

This selection showcases the versatility and scope of contemporary animation. A mixture of techniques, storytelling and platforms, this panorama represents the breadth of animation.

Short Film Panorama (18)

This selection showcases the versatility and scope of contemporary animation. A mixture of techniques, storytelling and platforms, this panorama represents the breadth of animation.

Short Films for Children (U)

The best in contemporary animated children’s short films from around the world! Join us as we venture to a beautiful coral reef, meet a scarecrow, witness a meeting between a diver & astronaut, laugh at some very silly pooches and much more in these fantastic family shorts.

Short Films for Children (U)

Skwigly Quiz (18)

Test your animation knowledge and pit your wits against fellow festival goers in a fiendishly fun Animation Quiz. Join the Skwigly team and gather up that grey matter and get your mobile phones at the ready for the ultimate animation brainteaser!

Skwigly Screening (18)

Skwigly Online Animation Magazine is proud to present a selection of films from its animation community in association with this year’s edition of MAF.

Special Preview: Claydream (15)

Known as the “Father of Claymation,” Vinton revolutionised the animation business during the 80s and 90s. But after 30 years of being the unheralded king of clay, Will Vinton’s carefully sculpted American dream came crumbling down…

State of the Animation Nation

Presenting the State of the Animation Nation roundtable discussion. A session where industry leaders paint a contemporary picture of the animation industry.

Student Films Panorama (18)

This selection showcases the versatility and scope of contemporary animation from students around the world. A mixture of techniques, storytelling and platforms, this panorama represents the breadth of animation from an academic environment.

Student Films Panorama (18)

Studio Masterclass: Animade

Animade are united by a common purpose: to make the world a bit more characterful! Join Tom, Jen and Ed from the studio as we take a look behind the scenes at Animade.

Thank You Young Audiences Content Fund

Join us as we take a look at some of YACF’s projects, including Albert’s Islands, Mustard & Ketchup, A Bear Named Wojtek, Pop Paper City and Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared and celebrate the work of the Fund.

The AfterMAF (18)

MAF isn’t over yet, come join us to send off the festival in style. You’re all invited for drinks, karaoke and celebration at the AfterMAF!

The Amazing Maurice (PG)

In The Amazing Maurice, a Sky Original, Maurice is a streetwise ginger cat who comes up with a money-making scam by befriending a group of self-taught talking rats. When Maurice and the rodents reach the stricken town of Bad Blintz, they meet a bookworm called Malicia and their little con soon goes down the drain.

The Amazing Maurice + Intro (PG)

The Animation Keynote: Charlie Perkins

The animation keynote is Manchester Animation Festival’s yearly opportunity to hear from a titan of industry as they reveal their process and plans for the future.

The Bread & Butter of Animation

Explainers, adverts and interstitials – the ‘Bread and Butter’ of the animation industry isn’t celebrated for it’s creativity, ingenuity and ability to engage audiences as much as it should be. Join us as we explore this side of the industry and how it can bolster your business and make a name for your company.

The Island (18)

With a hypnotic soundtrack and colourful surreal visuals, The Island is an animated musical that tips the Robinson Crusoe story on its head. After saving Friday, the only survivor of an illegal refugee boat, Robinson confronts current affairs through visual poetry and symbolism in a world where everybody looks for their own paradise.

The Island + Q&A (18)

The Sculpting Social! (18)

Join master modelmaker Jim Parkyn for a fun evening of modelling merriment and follow along to make your own sculpt – Plasticine provided!

The Skwigly Podcast Presents: Intimate Animation Live!

Ben Mitchell and Laura-Beth Cowley from Skwigly.com present a Live version of their Intimate Animation Podcast!

The Wind in The Willows Wednesday! (U)

Join Rat, Mole Badger and the inimitable Mr Toad in the much loved Cosgrove Hall Series The Wind in the Willows, based on the books by Kenneth Grahame. Relive their classic adventures for free and on loop at Manchester Central Library as part of Manchester Animation Festival 2022.

Online Event

TT Games – Behind Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

In this online exclusive event for MAF, the team who built one of the biggest LEGO games to date as TT Games share the making of LEGO Star Wars The Skywalker Saga. Go behind the scenes with everything tech, story, rigging, in game and cinematic animation, LEGO character process, modelling and so much more!

Unicorn Wars (18)

Blending animated classic Bambi with anti-war epic Apocalypse Now, Unicorn Wars follows a group of inexperienced teddy bear recruits who are sent on a dangerous mission to save the Magic Forest from unicorns in a dark comedy that uses animated fantasy to ponder the origin of evil.