iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

What advice would you give to a young animator dreaming big? Celebrating #MAFAdvent day 14 means celebrating the FUTURE — the amazing talent showcased at the Young Animator of the Year Awards (@YoungAnimatorUK), supported by @Blue_Zoo and @hueanimation Every year we leave inspired

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

For #MAFAdvent day 13, we’re reflecting on the heartfelt screening of The Last Blossom, followed by an insightful Q&A with director Baku Kinoshita by Ryan Gaur. It was a beautifully emotional evening that stayed with us long after the credits rolled.

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

As we unwrap #MAFAdvent Day 12, we’re celebrating you — our incredible audience who bring the festival to life every year. One of our favourite moments was our Worlds of Animation screening, supported by MMU SODA, where we shared extraordinary creations from across the globe.

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

For #MAFAdvent day 11, we’re celebrating the legendary Joanna Quinn (@joannaquinn), who visited @mcrcentrallibrary to discuss her stunning book Beryl, created with partner Les Mills. The session overflowed with gorgeous artwork, stories and insights into one of animation’s most iconic characters.

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

It wouldn’t be #MAFAdvent day 10 without shining a neon light on MAFter Dark, the wildest night of the festival. Thanks to the brilliant support of Toon Boom, we filled a club with weird, wonderful, spooky, silly shorts and a crowd of animation lovers who laughed and gasped together.

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Today, for #MAFAdvent day 9, we’re revisiting the Animation Nation Forum’s forward-looking session on the Future Normal of animation. Our three wise experts explored how production pipelines, career paths and creative choices are rapidly evolving. The talk was both energising and reassuring

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

We've all got one, but which ILM creation has cast the biggest spell on you? Marking #MAFAdvent day 8, we’re tipping our festive hats to Industrial Light & Magic, who celebrated 50 years of animation magic with us. Hayden Jones guided us through half a century of groundbreaking work

110

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

As #MAFAdvent day 7 arrives, we’re celebrating BAFTA-winning filmmaker Will Anderson, who joined us for an in-depth exploration of his thoughtful, witty, character-driven work. His blend of existential humour and inventive design made for a session full of inspiration, weird bananas and weirder cats

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

For day 6 of #MAFAdvent, we’re drifting back into the adventure of a night time - In Your Dreams, showcased by creator Alex Woo. This debut animated feature (now streaming on Netflix!) swept us into a fantastical tale bursting with imagination, heart, zombie cereal and snarky giraffes.

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

As we continue our countdown with #MAFAdvent day 5, we’re spotlighting a brilliant session with @MohoAnimation’s own Víctor Paredes. He gave us a charming and energetic tour of how Moho turns stunning illustrations into lively animated pieces — plus teased some exciting innovations coming soon.

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

What love story melts your heart every time? Which sexy short sends you silly? Do you have a favourite animation all about affection? For #MAFAdvent day 4, we’re turning the page back to our session celebrating the book "Intimate Animation" with @Skwigly’s Ben Mitchell and Laura-Beth

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Today’s festive flick through memory lane for #MAFAdvent day 3 takes us to an unforgettable behind-the-scenes session for Zootropolis 2. We were thrilled to welcome Chad Sellers and Renato dos Anjos, who shared an inspiring look at crafting expressive characters and dynamic scenes.

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

As #MAFAdvent day 2 summons a little sparkle, we’re revisiting the enchanting world of Rafi the Wishing Wizard from BBC Studios. Our MAF audience was treated to an exclusive early peek at the South Manchester based series that is arriving in 2026 and yes, it was as magical as it sounds.

021

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

We’re opening our animation advent calendar with #MAFAdvent day 1, and what better way to start than by celebrating family? Whether you share your holidays with relatives, friends or your found family, our annual Family Day always reminds us how special these connections are.

A young person sculpts a character using clay

A room full of families listen to the teacher leading a stop motion workshop

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

And that's it for another year! Thank you to everyone who attended #MAF2025, our amazing sponsors and everyone who helped to make this edition one of our best festivals yet. We'll be back next year - sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates! buff.ly/dAqeBpr

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Looking at a career in animation? Our Paths Into Animation panel is crammed full of useful insight from Baz Sells, @0ddcat.bsky.social & Will Anderson. Watch it back as part of our #MAF2025 Online Programme before it disappears this Sunday >> tinyurl.com/yc3tvh9w

020

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

The mighty Cartoon Saloon visited #MAF2025 to receive this year's Fellowship Award. During their visit, director Nora Twomey told us the powerful story behind the studio's hugely important 2017 release The Breadwinner. See more via MAF online buff.ly/lIiUC6u

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Why is it important to shout about your own skills? Golden Wolf studios shared some thoughts on this key topic during our Art of the Ad panel discussion at #MAF2025. The full chat is available via MAF Online until 30 November. Find out more: buff.ly/K2dC2BV

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Is creative curiosity a learnable skill? This was one of the big topics we discussed during our Constantly Curious panel chat at #MAF2025. Here's Creative Director Daniel Efergan sharing his thoughts... Watch the full panel via MAF Online until 30 Nov buff.ly/K2dC2BV

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Did you miss our #MAF2025 Fellowship with the ace @cartoonsaloon.bsky.social? From those first initial chats around the kitchen table in Dublin to meeting animation royalty at awards ceremonies, you can watch back the full conversation as part of our Online Programme >> tinyurl.com/ycykc8d2

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

"A dream movie in animation has sort of been a white whale..." If you missed director Alex Woo's guided tour of dreamland during #MAF2025 last week, you can revisit his panel on MAF Online to find out how In Your Dreams was made! Find out more tinyurl.com/yrh37f3n

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Ah this time last week we were knee deep in animation goodness enjoying the last in-venue day of #MAF2025. Did you join us for it? Remember all online festival content is available for FREE for anyone who joined us in person with a Festival Pass...

100

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Don't be sad that #MAF2025 is over, be psyched that MAF online is here until 30 Nov! An online pass gets you access to some of 2025's biggest events like Alex Woo's #InYourDreams deep-dive, Cartoon Saloon's Fellowship Award, shorts & more! Tune in: buff.ly/K2dC2BV

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

We're just coming up for air after our busy in-venue leg of the festival last week. And to brighten up your Monday we wanted to take a look back at the winners of our #MAF2025 film and industry awards! So if you missed who won what, here's a handy recap >> tinyurl.com/53be2uap

tinyurl.com

MAF 2025 Reveals Film Competition Winners and Industry Excellence Award Honourees | Manchester Animation Festival

Celebrating the best in animation, from breakout shorts to behind-the-scenes brilliance, at the UK’s leading animation festival. Manchester, UK – Manchester Animation Festival (MAF), the UK’s only Osc...

000

Reposted by Manchester Animation Festival

Chris Wright @iamchriswright.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Popped to the wonderful @mcranimation.bsky.social and came away with a fantastic selection for this week's #LastFourWatched!

Recent Activity from Letterboxd, four film posters alongside each other; I Am Frankelda, Arco, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain & The Last Blossom.

091

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

We just want to say a BIG thank you to everyone who joined us at #MAF2025 this week - it's been joyful & jam packed! Whilst the in-venue fun might be over, our Online Programme runs till 30 Nov. So you can enjoy lots more MAF magic from the comfort of your own home ✨ >> tinyurl.com/4vs59jnd

051

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

25 years of wonderful storytelling✨ Oh @cartoonsaloon.bsky.social we only scratched the surface but feel really lucky to have had the chance to look back at your beautiful body of work. This behind the scenes sequence from Wolfwalkers was really special to see... #MAF2025

0104

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

This afternoon we're celebrating 25 years of the brilliant Cartoon Saloon with our #MAF2025 Fellowship Award. So what's your favourite film of theirs? We'd love to know!

000

Reposted by Manchester Animation Festival

Amy @wonder-punk.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Last day of @mcranimation.bsky.social big sad :( Got some good talks booked for today, including a workshop on animation tools in @unrealengine.bsky.social and finding out more about #WomenInAnimationUK later. #MAF2025

021

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Have you joined us this week at #MAF2025? So much inspiration and insight - and we still have one more action-packed afternoon and evening for you! Expect panels, talks, features and shorts - plus tonight we'll be crowning our 2025 award winners!

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

It's the last day of our in-venue part of #MAF2025! Are you ready for another dose of animation goodness? Festival Director @stevehenderson.bsky.social is here with your handy round up... Let's do this!

020

Reposted by Manchester Animation Festival

DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 12/11/2025

Heading back from a whistle stop 24 hours at @mcranimation.bsky.social Had a wonderful time with fantastic people! While it wasn't in competition, DUCKS won the audience vote at the MAFter dark screening, which was a lovely surprise!

A still from DUCKS, showing a small child in a pushchair

081

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

...and that was Wednesday at #MAF2025! Thanks to all who joined us. What was your favourite bit? We'll see you all later today for our final in-venue day - there's plenty left to see! Last minute tickets are available here tinyurl.com/3w56ccaj

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

What do the content creators of today need to bear in mind when making the hit content of tomorrow? That was the focus of today's Animation Nation Forum panel chat on The Future Normal. Afterwards, we invited one of our expert panelists, Rob Doherty, to share the advice he'd give to new studios.

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

It's not all panels and networking - today's Animation Nation Forum is also home to our MAF Marketplace, allowing you to have a quick chat with some of the industry's biggest voices. Who knows what could come from it? #MAF2025

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

It's Wednesday at #MAF2025 & we're at The Bridgewater Hall for our Animation Nation Forum - a day-long celebration of the triumphs, challenges and future of the UK animation sector. It's not all we're doing though. There's still lots on at HOME and Manchester Central Library...

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Today at #MAF2025 we were treated to a look back at an amazing 50 yrs of Industrial Light & Magic ✨ From Star Wars to the Oscar winning animation Rango, it was packed with brilliant behind the scenes stuff - including this, the very first test the ILM team did of the T-Rex for Jurassic Park! 🦖

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

What’s better than an evening in the pub? An evening in the pub filled with animation! Are you joining us for MAFter Dark tonight? Vote for your fave film on a beer mat, sip a pint & share a giggle >> maf2025.eventive.org/schedule/68c... Plus first 100 people in the door get a free drink!

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

"Your instincts are your most valuable tool as an animator" - JP Vine "Make friends with failure" - May Kindred-Boothby "An idea can come at any time, walking your dog, on the loo, at an exhibition, log them all" - Chris Ullens Sound advice from our short film directors this morning. #MAF2025

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Ready for Day 3 of #MAF2025? Hell yeah we hear you cry! Festival Director @stevehenderson.bsky.social is on hand with some of the goodies you can catch today... What's on your festival hit list?

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

What a way to kick start the week! Big thanks to everyone who attended Monday at #MAF2025. We crammed lots in, from Will Anderson's artist talk & Alex Woo talking #InYourDreams, to Adult Swim ending things in style! Enjoyed today? You're in luck. There's 3 more MAF days left. See you tomorrow!

010

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Did you know that #MAF2025 has taken over Manchester Central Library this week? It’s true - not content with filling @HOME_mcr & @anthonyburgess with animation goodness, today’s attendees will also find @CartoonSaloon shorts on loop plus #VR headset fun at the library. Come and say hi! 👋

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Hey look - it's ace animator Will Anderson shortly after he'd taken Anthony Burgess Foundation crowds on a whistle-stop tour of his play-filled career so far. Not only does #MAF2025 bring you access to top talent - but you can also network with them at HOME, if you spot them! Perfect!

000

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Imposter syndrome... it's something that impacts all of us, especially when we're starting out. Thankfully, DNEG's Character Animator Amy Adcock has some expert tips that can make interviews, networking and making contacts as painless as possible!

110

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Over at Anthony Burgess Foundation, the animators of tomorrow have been finding out how to kick start their animation careers. The insight is worth paying attention to. It comes from our expert panel of industry guests, DNEG's Amy Adcock, Locksmith Animation's Shelley Page & animator Tito Olawole

100

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

We may be half-way through #MAF2025 day 2 but we're still reeling from our Family Day. It was great seeing so many of you HOME for stop-motion animation workshops, hearing about Laura Tofarides creative journey, celebrating the animators of tomorrow Young Animator of the Year Award ceremony & more!

110

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Welcome to day two of #MAF2025. Here’s Festival Director Steve Henderson with an inside look at what we have planned for today! Expect fun from artist Will Anderson, Aardman, Flycheese Studio, Netflix, Adult Swim & more! Need last minute tickets? Head here www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk

011

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

Are you a young animator starting out in the industry? Stop-motion director @lauratofarides.bsky.social shares her top 3 tips with you... #MAF2025

020

Manchester Animation Festival @mcranimation.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

So we've a packed Family Day for you today. Our Festival Director @stevehenderson.bsky.social is here with a handy Sunday rundown! Are you joining us for all the fun?

022