This programme examines some big life moments and asks pointed questions. The ten powerful films include looks at father/son and father/daughter relationships, an honest and very personal insight into the world of an overwhelmed mother, a lively, stop-motion plastic farewell dance and a bleak vision of chaos and disintegration in the midst of war in Syria.

Independent animation is an art form that continues to thrive and develop as a breath-taking medley of styles, materials, techniques and production – from hand-drawn, paint on glass, collage, sculpture, cut-outs, puppets, abstract to some of the more interesting developments in CGI – all of which can be seen at this year’s LIAF.

We’ve emerged from under the pile of 2,400 entries to put together a series of screenings that showcase the best 80 new films from every corner of the world. They can be funny, dramatic, bizarre, subdued, scary or autobiographical. The one thing they have in common is that we think they’re the pick of the crop.

Eight international competition programmes. Every technique, every genre, every style – this is your annual window into the international indie animation universe.

Recommended age 15+