Persuasive, illustrative and able to get over abstract details in attractive and compelling ways, animation is the perfect tool to document someone’s vision of the truth. This past decade has seen a boom in non-fiction films that use animation to tell their stories and LIAF has been one of the vanguards with our annual showcase dedicated to the documentary form dating back to 2008. This year’s programme features 12 of the best true life stories coupled with mind-blowing imagery. Independent animation remains a dynamic and evolving art form, showcasing a stunning array of styles, materials, and techniques—from hand-drawn and paint-on-glass to collage, sculpture, cut-outs, puppetry, abstract forms, and innovative CGI. This year’s LIAF highlights the most diverse and exciting developments within this vibrant medium.﻿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. Recommended age 18

The stories of three men who use exercise as a way to cope with inner traumas that have often resulted in low self-esteem.

Better Man

Veteran British animator and Oscar-winner Bob Godfrey describes how he got started in Animation and the losses of one era ending and the excitement of a new one beginning.

I am a Rebel

Lorea's reference points are her mother and grandmother. Through these two generations she observes the bond that women have experienced around motherhood. Now it is up to her to decide whether or not to become a mother herself and to look for answers to pending questions.

Azkena

Through audio recordings taken in the field and poetic moving images, the film portrays activists who use food as a tool in their anti-consumerist struggle.

Mealitancy

Stroke survivors share their stories about the mental and physical struggles they face and the importance of community within their recovery.

Strokes of Wildflowers

The contest is called "Payday," and Chantal is in a rush because she has a lot to say on the subject. For once, she ticks all the boxes: director, woman... She's ready to start taking notes, drawing... But all too soon, her everyday reality comes rushing back.

Biting the Hand that Feeds You

A patch of land in Derby, UK, is adopted by an ex-NHS Psychiatric Nurse and transformed by a cyclical system of recovery. A poetic portrait of a place, the people who support it and that it supports.

On Hannah Fields

Harrowing tales of sexual violence told from the survivors point of view.

Tiny Film about Rape

A love letter to the act of hand-making, traditional craft practices, and the people who love them. Stemming from the fear of these artforms slipping away in a society that no longer values the human labour behind them.

Warp and Weft

In a Latin American country, a child’s notebook recounts a series of horrifying events that happened at the Big Moustache Clowns Circus.

The Mustached Clown Circus

Mrs. Jaroslava shares her story of growing up with polio – a disease that stole part of her youth, but gave her friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Polio

Helpless in the face of a repressive state, a young couple leaves their home – an escape that turns into a surreal nightmare.

Winter in March

International Competition Programme 7: Animated Documentaries

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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.