After sorting through a huge pile of 2,400 entries, we’ve curated a selection of 77 outstanding new films from 30 countries. These films range from humorous and dramatic to bizarre, subtle, frightening, and autobiographical. What they all share is our belief that they represent the best of the best. These 8 international competition programmes showcase a variety of techniques, genres, and styles. This is your annual glimpse into the vibrant world of international indie animation. This programme, the Abstract Showcase, represents our yearly exploration of abstract and experimental animation. It features 12 short films where animators use a wide range of techniques, from hand-drawn “musical scores” to high-definition computer-assisted imagery. Each film reflects a deep passion for animated movement and showcases the artist’s skill in using colour and crafting non-narrative visuals to captivate the screen. LIAF is one of the very few animation festivals in the world to devote an entire programme to abstract and experimental animation. We do this because we believe that the tenets that underpin great abstract animation go to the very heart of what it is to create beautiful, frame by frame animated imagery; a form of animated artmaking with a history that reaches back to the earliest days of animation. Also – we do it because we love abstract animation!! Recommended age 18

An experimental film inspired by Jean-Paul Sartre's play "No Exit." a game of perception in which the power of interpretation lies with the viewer.

The Self and the Other

Exploring concepts of fluidity and rigidity through monochromatic, crystalline visuals, delving into the emotional turmoil a wanderer has to engage with when grappling with the ideas of going against the flow.

Wanderers

The drifting sensations of sleep and the turbulence of sleeplessness. An oarless journey through memory, regret, and restless thought.

Toil and Spin

Tapping into our sensual pleasures with this experimental interpretation of Hieronymus Bosch’s iconic triptych The Garden of Earthly Delights.

The Garden of Electric Delights

Consisting of several dozen original risograph prints, this under-the-camera, straight-ahead animation is improvised to the rhythm of the scores by Hungarian jazz trumpeter and composer Barabás Lőrinc.

Where Blue Meets Red

Moving from planetary surfaces to deep space, mysterious shapes and spheres guide exploration and slowly return to the surface.

Kepler - 891c

An experimental strata-cut animation crafted entirely from wax and paper. It invites viewers on a meditative exploration of materiality, textures, and movements.

States of Matter

An ever-evolving landscape where the present inevitably coexists with the past. The slow stampede of a vulnerable mind.

Deluge

Hand-painted film combined with digital animation explores abstraction and concepts of ‘play’ as intrinsic to creative practice.

Play

The complex relationship between humans and water. Compelling contrasts between wetness and dryness, fluidity and rigidity, light and darkness.

We The Water

A simple random walk is a discrete-time stochastic process that describes a path generated by a sequence of random steps.

Simple Random Walks

A scenic and visual experience of cells and the small organisms that we live amongst, exploring the unknown structure of nature.

Steen

International Competition Programme 1: Abstract Showcase

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The London International Animation Festival proudly showcases the whole spectrum of animation, showing that animation is for everyone. LIAF 2025 is our 22nd edition.

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.