LIAF 2024: International Competition 3- From Absurd to Zany (18)

This programme ‘From Absurd to Zany’ celebrates some of the funniest, weirdest and eye-poppingly nutty films that were entered this year. Tales of murderous dreams, existential crises, destructive machines that just want to hurt us, a young girl's anxiety about her appendix, an insane Jeff Bezos and the bakery he runs plus many more bonkers scenarios. Buckle up for a wild ride.

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

Gina Kamentsky's Pinocchio in 70mm

Pinocchio felt a longing deep within him. Someday, he would become a real girl and live a life beyond the confines of make-believe.

USA 2024 Dir: Gina Kamentsky 3’10

Mee and Burd

A post operative existential crisis inspires an animator to make a film about a post operative existential crisis.

UK 2023 Dir: Greg McLeod 7’45

Human Resources

Andy, followed by a friend filming the scene, goes to his recycling appointment. Wanda, the secretary of the company, welcomes him. We follow Andy through the whole process, until his last seconds of life.

France 2023 Dir: Trinidad Plass, Titouan Tillier, Isaac Wenzer 3’30

No Room

In this film, cars have legs. Maybe that is why they feel free to use the pavement as they please. There is no room, but could we perhaps be a little more considerate?

Croatia 2024 Dir: Jelena Oroz 6’20

A Round of Applause for Death

A surreal, abstract journey through a series of murderous dreams, where Death takes centre stage and faceless spectators applaud the inevitable.

UK 2024 Dir: Stephen Irwin 4’50

Hurikan

Hurikán rushes to save his favourite beer stand and impress the barmaid, by opening a new keg. In a gritty part of Prague, he faces off against thieves, police, and his own thirst. Although he retrieves the keg, he ultimately gives in to temptation.

Slovakia, Czech Republic, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina 2024 Dir: Jan Saska 13’05

Humanity

Life is hard even without having to tolerate other people's annoying habits. The problem is you can't kill somebody just because they chew too loudly.

Czech Republic 2024 Dir: Tereza Kovandová 7’40

Matta and Matto

In a dystopian world where touch is forbidden, Matta and Matto offer refuge to the lonely at Hotel Vaip. In the deceptive labyrinth of mind bending rooms at their transient hotel, deepest desires are fulfilled and surpassed, but this comes at a price.

Switzerland 2023 Dir: Bianca Caderas, Kerstin Zemp 10’15

I Am A Robot

An autonomous vacuum cleaner, a self-driving car and a supercomputer confess their murderous innermost thoughts as they go about their day.

USA 2024 Dir: Sean Buckelew 7’05

Extremely Short

A man sets out in search of the shortest thing in Tokyo, which turns out to be a single syllable uttered by a dying man.

Japan 2024 Dir: Koji Yamamura 5’20

Let Them Eat Cake

Jeff Bezos is an ambitious capitalist and businessman. This Jeff Bezos manages a local bakery and does everything in his power to satisfy his customers. EVERYTHING.

Denmark 2023 Dir: Mathias Rodrigues Bjerre 11’00

Bunnyhood

"Mum would never lie to me, would she?" Innocent Bobby discovers the answer to this question when she is surprised by a last minute trip to the hospital.

UK 2024 Dir: Mansi Maheshwari 9’05