AFA UK: Edinburgh International Film Festival, Maquia and more

Welcome to a brand spanking new feature here on Animation For Adults. This is the first edition of AFA UK, a new regular round-up of the latest goings-on in the British animation scene! We'll cover upcoming events, releases and all sorts of news from around the industry.


Edinburgh International Film Festival kicks off today (June 20) and runs until July 1. This year the festival's animation strand features The McLaren Award: New British Animation (Parts 1  and 2), A retrospective of the work of Elizabeth Hobbs and an International Animation showcase. The festival will also include preview screenings of animated features Princess Emmy, and the UK premiere of Zombillenium and Vitello.   The Family gala screening of Incredibles 2 is already sold out.

Hit anime series Black Cover is coming to the UK. Funimation and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release Black Clover Season One, Part One on August 6, as a Blu-ray/ DVD combo pack. It will contain the first 10 episodes plus special features including commentaries and Inside The Episode featurettes. Set in a magical world, it follows two orphans on a quest to become the Wizard King.

Brendan O’Carroll star of the hit BBC comedy Mrs Brown's Boys is joining the cast of the Cartoonito series Daisy & Olly.  O'Caroll will be appearing as Daisy's Grandad in the series in three new episodes due to go out over the summer.  Fellow comedian Jason Manford (who helped develop the series as executive producer) personally asked O'Caroll to come aboard. Brendan comments: "I was absolutely delighted to be asked to voice a new character for such a new and exciting show like Daisy & Ollie. As a Grandad to six children in real-life, the role of Daisy’s Grandad seemed like such a natural fit for me and my humour. I can’t wait for my grandkids to see me in cartoon form!"  The series is produced by CHF Entertainment, the studio founded by former Cosgrove Hall (Danger Mouse, Count Duckula) founders Brain Cosgrove and the late Mark Hall.

CHF are also involved with Swimstylers, a new initiative launched by Team GB international swimmer Angela Wilson. Aimed at kids aged 4 months to 12 years, it is using animated characters to try and encourage them to get involved with swimming. Wilson is launching 14 swimschool franchises across the UK. Check out the first video, below.



Hayao Miyazaki's beloved Howl's Moving Castle (based on the book by Welsh author, Diana Wynne Jones)  will be screening at Chapter in Cardiff on June 23, 24 and 30, as part of Anim18. More information here.

Don't forget that Anime Limited will be bringing Mari Okada's Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms to cinemas in the UK (and Ireland) on June 27th. Find a screening here.