LIAF 2024: International Competition 2- Playing with Emotion (18)

This programme explores the full spectrum of human emotions through 9 captivating films that delve into themes of love, hate, jealousy, sensuality, melancholy, anxiety, confusion, fear, and doubt. Each film is powerful and moving, offering profound insights and striking visuals that resonate with contemporary issues.

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 83 outstanding new films from 31 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.

Please visit liaf.org.uk for more details

It's Just a Whole

An unpleasant examination by a meticulous doctor leads to a supposedly inevitable medical intervention that leaves the young patient scarred in body and soul.

Germany 2023 Dir: Bianca Scali 10’35

In Thousand Petals

A young married woman collects the sweet memories of her romance. On closer inspection, she leaves bits of herself behind.

Belgium 2023 Dir: Louise Bongartz 10’05

Freeride in C

The serene whiteness of the mountains is interrupted by vibrant winter sports enthusiasts indulging in downhill skiing.

Latvia 2024 Dir: Edmunds Jansons 10’10

Chicken

A woman who is escaping an abusive situation stumbles and finds herself eye to eye with a hen who is in the same situation.

Germany 2023 Dir: Anna Benner 7’55

Three Birds

A wise birdwoman sends three birds to guide a girl into the dark unknown landscapes of her inner world.

Slovenia 2024 Dir: Zarja Menart 8’15

Yuck!

Yuck! Couples kissing on the mouth are gross. And the worst thing is, you can’t miss them: when people are about to kiss, their lips go all pink and shiny

France 2024 Dir: Loic Espuche 13’10

Stale Smoke

The most difficult questions and secrets are invariably the ones within families.

France 2023 Dir: Arthur Jamain 9’30

Cold Soup

A victim of domestic violence looks back at the years when she was married, recalling how difficult it was to stay afloat.

Portugal, France 2023 Dir: Marta Monteiro 9’50

Zarko, You will spoil the child!

Memories of a childhood in Split in the 1980s and a moving tribute to the love of a grandpa and grandma who did their best to keep their granddaughter smiling.

Croatia 2024 Dir: Veljko Popovic, Milivoj Popovic 13’00