The Manchester Animation Festival 2024 marks a decade of excellence in showcasing global animation talent.
- Renowned for its Oscar and BAFTA qualifications, MAF offers an unmatched animation experience.
- Highlights include Chris Sanders’ discussion and Wallace & Gromit creator appearances.
- Exclusive screenings and industry panels offer deep insights into animation processes.
- Family-friendly events and an array of feature films enrich the diverse festival agenda.
The Manchester Animation Festival (MAF), celebrated as the UK’s premier animation festival, enters its tenth edition with notable events and appearances planned for November 2024. Known for its distinguished status as the only Oscar-qualifying event of its kind in the UK, MAF further strengthens its credentials as a BAFTA qualifier. The festival provides a remarkable platform for both fans and professionals to engage with top-tier animated content.
Attendees will have the chance to gain insights from industry stalwarts, including Chris Sanders, globally recognised for his works such as ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. His session will delve into his latest project, ‘Wild Robot’, accompanied by a film screening. Additionally, MAF has secured appearances by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, the creators of the beloved ‘Wallace & Gromit’. This esteemed gathering will feature a variety of intimate talks, panels, and exclusive screenings, creating a rich, interactive experience for participants.
The festival’s ambitious schedule includes a special showcase of Richard Williams’ iconic film, ‘The Thief and the Cobbler’, alongside an engaging book signing by Williams’ wife and producer, Imogen Sutton. Groundbreaking industry-focused events at the Animation Nation Forum will explore cutting-edge animation techniques, offering professionals a comprehensive view into the sector’s innovative practices.
Families will be particularly pleased with MAF’s offerings, as the festival designates a special day with activities tailored for younger audiences. From animated short films to the BBC Box Set, these programmes are designed to captivate audiences of all ages. Adding to this, the Young Animator of the Year UK Awards will celebrate teenage talents across the country, fostering the next generation of creators.
The festival’s lineup also promises an exciting return to its competitive roots with feature films vying for top honours. Titles such as ‘Memoir of a Snail’ and ‘Sultana’s Dream’ challenge traditional storytelling, showcasing the innovative spirit of contemporary animation. Moreover, the presence of major industry players like Adult Swim and Epic Games, presenting their latest projects and pioneering technologies, further enhances MAF’s comprehensive agenda.
Beyond film screenings, MAF includes thought-provoking panels addressing ‘Climate and Nature On Screen’, where storytellers will discuss integrating nature-positive themes into their work. This reflects an ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness within the storytelling landscape. Moreover, technical sessions will involve presentations from animation software experts, guiding attendees through the latest advancements in animation technology.
The festivities will culminate with the highly anticipated awards ceremony on 14th November, overseen by comedian Alasdair Beckett-King. This event will honour excellence across various categories, celebrating the ingenuity and craftsmanship displayed during the festival. Additionally, the Industry Excellence Awards will commend professionals excelling in critical areas such as writing, storyboarding, and character design.
MAF Director Steve Henderson, reflecting on this milestone, remarked, “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.”
The Manchester Animation Festival 2024 exemplifies the celebration of creative storytelling, fostering both innovation and tradition within the animation industry.
