Join Aardman Director and Designer Gavin Strange as he plots his creative journey through his time in the design and film industry– picking it apart and extracting the lessons and learnings from it all.
Sun 08 Nov 2026 - 10:15
MAF proudly presents the Young Animator of the Year Award 2026 Ceremony, awarding talented emerging teenage animators who have won this year's competition.
Sun 08 Nov 2026 - 12:00
Animation finds itself one of many industries challenged by the prospect of A.I dominating roles which were once human led. Is the future of animation all A.I or can we maintain space for human made work?
Sun 08 Nov 2026 - 13:45
Enter the eye catching and colourful mind of AJ Jefferies - better known as Moonjam - as we explore his menagerie of animated mayhem.
Mon 09 Nov 2026 - 10:40
Highlighting roadblocks in place across industry that prevent people of colour progressing their careers, how studios can remove them and if POC talent needs to break away from the mainstream to thrive.
Mon 09 Nov 2026 - 15:30
This talk explores the relationship between storyboarding and writing during the development process of animated films (shorts and features) and series (web and TV), featuring case studies from the book "The Art of Writing Animation".
Mon 09 Nov 2026 - 16:00
We celebrate Laika’s 6th animated feature film and invite you to join a team of animators and craftspeople as we step into Wildwood for a look behind the scenes at the Portland studios most ambitious feature film to date and discover how Travis Knight’s epic new fantasy adventure was brought to life.
Mon 09 Nov 2026 - 18:30
Meet the directors behind some of your favourite animated short films competing at this year's festival! Don't miss this chance to connect with the visionary talents shaping the future of animation!
Tue 10 Nov 2026 - 09:30
You've got the idea for a fantastic feature, how do you get it made? How it Works: Picking a Producer will unpack the producer mindset and give you the tools to develop key partnerships to take your ideas to the next level.
Tue 10 Nov 2026 - 10:30
Joining us to discuss the secrets to sniggering, uncover the mysteries to mirth making the and to de-classify chuckles are our panel of experts who are on hand to listen to your questions and offer their animated answers.
Tue 10 Nov 2026 - 12:30
Our showcase of the best of the north-west, Making it in Manchester demonstrates the impressive array of talent and incredible projects that make Manchester one of the nation’s premier animation hotspots.
Tue 10 Nov 2026 - 14:00
We welcome Aardman co-founder Sir Peter Lord, Creative Director - Development IP Natalie McKay and Head of Studio - Aardman Academy Will Becher, to discuss 50 years of Aardman and what’s next for the studio.
Tue 10 Nov 2026 - 16:15
Meet the directors behind some of your favourite animated short films competing at this year's festival! Don't miss this chance to connect with the visionary talents shaping the future of animation!
Wed 11 Nov 2026 - 09:00
When animation can do anything, what limits do we need to set ourselves to ensure what we create is responsible both on screen and behind the scenes? Animation for Good will lead the way!
Wed 11 Nov 2026 - 12:30
Join creative duo Tim and Rebecca O’Sullivan from Karrot Animation for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of MaeBee, the new series from the team behind Sarah & Duck.
Wed 11 Nov 2026 - 13:00
Exploring the evolving technological landscape of animation. What skills will matter tomorrow? How can artists and animators stay creative in a tech driven world and how can R&D and experimentation create new creative possibilities?
Wed 11 Nov 2026 - 15:00
Go behind the scenes on the latest Cartoon Saloon feature film Julián, with director Louise Bagnall, showing how a much-loved picture book can become a feature length story that expands on the young protagonist's journey using Cartoon Saloon's trademark visual richness and empathetic storytelling skill.
Wed 11 Nov 2026 - 16:15
Meet the directors behind some of your favourite animated short films competing at this year's festival! Don't miss this chance to connect with the visionary talents shaping the future of animation!
Thu 12 Nov 2026 - 09:30
From iconic VFX blockbusters to the next steps of feature animation, step inside the creative vault of Industrial Light & Magic.
Thu 12 Nov 2026 - 10:20
MAF welcomes director Ida Melum for an inspiring artist talk as we go behind the scenes on her process that brought the films Night of the Living Dread and Ovary Acting to life.
Thu 12 Nov 2026 - 10:30
Bradley Harris of Krygon Studios explores the cutting edge of real-time filmmaking and animation, and demonstrates how emerging technologies are changing the way stories and characters are brought to to the screen.
Thu 12 Nov 2026 - 12:00
Join an exclusive preview screening and behind-the-scenes discussion with the show's creative team of Vanishing Point, BBC Children's first animated series to feature a narrative arc. Learn more about the quirky supernatural, comedy-action storytelling and the mysteries that unfold across the series.
Thu 12 Nov 2026 - 12:15
Bother that cat! Much loved feline Mog returns to screens this Christmas, with a special preview at this years MAF.
Thu 12 Nov 2026 - 14:00
Step inside El Taller del Chucho, Guadalajara’s incredible stop-motion studio, backed by visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, founded by The University of Guadalajara and fuelled by the passion of incredible filmmakers and artists.
Thu 12 Nov 2026 - 16:00
Join us and MAF Awards Host Molly McGuinness for an evening of comedy and celebration as we hand out the coveted Manchester Animation Festival trophies crafted by master model makers Mackinnon and Saunders.
Thu 12 Nov 2026 - 20:00
