Manchester Animation Festival 2025

Festival Description: 
Manchester Animation Festival is the UK’s largest Animation Festival dedicated celebration of the animated art form. Hosted at HOME in Manchester, the festival brings one of the UK’s biggest animation hubs together and invites the international community to join us to delight in all things animated. Animation is everywhere, from the smallest smartphone screen to the largest cinematic projection. Manchester Animation Festival unites artists, practitioners, students, enthusiasts, and all those in between to savor the many and varied achievements of the animated form. Manchester Animation Festival is a member of the Alliance of British Animation Exhibitors, promoting UK talent through curated screenings at home and overseas to increase the visibility and recognition of UK animation talent.

2025 Call for Entries

The festival publishes the following call for animation film categories:

• Short Films: Films not made by a student or person under the age of 16.
• Student Films: Films created by undergraduate and post-graduate students.
• Commissioned Films: These can be educational or scientific films, music videos or for advertising, commercial or promotional purposes. Commissioned films must have the permission of the rights owner before submission.
• Immersive Films: Films that abandon traditional screening conditions and opt for an immersive format, this could be VR (interactive and non interactive), AR or 360° narrative films.

Films must be under 30 minutes in length. All short films must have been completed after Friday 26 July 2024. All animation techniques are eligible.

• Regulations and Entry Form via FilmFreeway
• Deadline: 3 March  (early), 23 June (regular), 18 July 2025 (late)
  

2020 Festival Coverage

• 2020 Winners

2019 Festival Coverage

• Past Winners

2018 Festival Coverage

• Manchester Animation Festival Highlights Barry Purves, This Magnificent Cake
• Festival Diary