MAF 2025 returns November 9-13 to HOME, celebrating all things animation with exclusive panel sessions, guest lectures, and student-led programming.
Manchester Animation Festival (MAF) is the UK’s largest Animation Festival dedicated to the celebration of the animated art form. Hosted at HOME and other venues across Manchester, the festival brings one of the UK’s biggest animation hubs together and invites the international community to join in the delight of all things animated. MAF brings together artists, professionals, students, and fans to celebrate animation's achievements.
As well as short films in competition, the three-day festival will present animated feature films, retrospectives, masterclasses, workshops, national and international director screen talks and Q&As as well as panel discussions giving a broad and dedicated insight into the animation industry. Highlights of MAF 2025 include:
- Cartoon Saloon will be honored with the Fellowship award at a ceremony hosted by comedian and writer Alasdair Beckett-King.
- A retrospective will mark 50 years of Industrial Light & Magic, celebrating how the studio has revolutionized cinematic animation.
- As part of a new three-year partnership with the University of Salford, the program will feature exclusive panels, guest lectures, and student led programming.
MAF is an Oscar qualifying and BAFTA recognized film festival.
Manchester Animation Festival 2025 will take place November 9-13. For the full program and additional information about the event, visit the festival website.
