Returning after huge success last year, the Manchester Animation Festival (MAF) will be showcasing some of the finest animation work in person, with sessions taking place across the city. Kicking off this November with over 100 events such as screenings, panels, workshops, masterclasses, Making Of and studio talks, there is plenty for animation enthusiasts to get involved in with this year’s festival.
Now into its tenth year, Manchester Animation Festival will run between November 10 and 14 and there’s quite the jam-packed programme over the five days at venues such as HOME, the Anthony Burgess Centre, YES, Gasworks and the Bridgewater Hall.
This November’s lineup includes a special in conversation with legendary filmmaker Chris Sanders (Lilo and Stitch, How To Train Your Dragon), who will be discussing his latest film Wild Robot, which will be followed by a screening of the film. There will also be an appearance from the beloved Wallace & Gromit creators Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham.
There will also be a special screening of Richard Williams’ animated marvel The Thief and the Cobbler, which will include a talk and book signing by Imogen Sutton—Williams’ wife and long-time producer. In addition to these highlights, MAF will offer a packed schedule of industry-focused events at their annual Animation Nation Forum, a family focused day, and the return of the marketplace at the Bridgewater Hall.
Exclusive ‘making of’ sessions will divulge what it takes to make an animation on a global scale, including the making of That Christmas (Netflix) whereby designer Justin Hutchinson-Chatburn from Locksmith Animation will take an in depth look behind the scenes as he explains how the world of this festive feature was crafted. Based on the charming trilogy of children’s books by beloved multi-award-winning writer/director Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually, Yesterday), the film will receive a special screening at MAF before coming to Netflix on 4 December.
There will also be a look at the creation of CBeebies’ first-ever 2D animated sitcom about dual-heritage British Asian brothers Nikhil & Jay, and how partnership and collaboration has ensured authentic representation at all levels of the production.
Additional panels and sessions across the week will also explore ‘Climate and Nature On Screen’ as BAFTA albert and inspiring animators delve into how climate and nature are portrayed on screen. They will also examine how storytellers can incorporate nature-positive narratives without compromising story integrity, make creative decisions that normalise sustainable behaviours, and authentically weave climate mentions into their work.
Further panels include: Animated Answers: Doing IP Properly, How it works Short Film Funding, Short Film Directors Q&A and UK/UA Animation Lab Project Presentation.
Complimenting the international short film competition programme there are five feature films playing in competition: Memoir of a Snail, Flow, Black Butterflies, Sultana’s Dream and Sauvages. These films push the boundaries of what is possible in feature animation, telling stories and sharing insights that you won’t see in the multiplex. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy some of the best animated feature films on the festival circuit.
Festival Director Steve Henderson said: “Ten years gives us an amazing opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary talent we’ve showcased in Manchester. Over the past decade, we’ve evolved into the UK’s premier animation gathering, and that’s thanks to the brilliant creators, visionaries, and supporters who have shared their work, their craft, and their passion.
“Along with our supporters, the team have worked hard and this year’s programme is a testament to that legacy, and I’m looking forward to welcoming the global animation community to Manchester this November for our monumental tenth edition!”
With more screenings than ever shown before at the festival and exclusive premieres Manchester Animation Festival 2024 isn’t one to be missed. Manchester Animation Festival will run from November 10 – 14, with both in-person and online sessions, and you can purchase tickets and passes and see the full schedule here.