Cardiff Animation Festival Returns This April
Cardiff Animation Festival is one of the leading events in the UK animation calendar. The event will return for a fifth iteration between 25-28 April 2024 at Chapter, Cardiff. There will also be online events for those unable to make it in person, that will run until May 12. The festival will feature 96 short films, from filmmakers from 23 different countries, plus three major animated feature films, and some of the world's leading animation artists sharing their expertise.
The theme of this year's festival is 'treat' and audiences can treat themselves to Q&As and animation workshops, enjoy free lunch and watch screenings in person or at their convenience online.
The short films will screen across nine different programmes: Peas In A Pod (animation about relationships and friendships) Slice Of Life (films about everyday life) Home Grown (shorts made in Wales or by Welsh filmmakers) Pick 'n' Mix (an eclectic mix) Love At First Bite (shorts about love and romance) Eat Your Words (dialogue free shorts) and Midnight Feast (films for audiences 18+). There will also be family friendly shorts and a special CAF edition of Cardiff Animation Nights. The full selection of shorts can be seen here.
The feature film selection features three acclaimed films from 2023. These are the Oscar-nominated French/Spanish coproduction Robot Dreams, Chiara Malta and Sébastien Laudenbach's Chicken For Linda and UK book adaptation Kensuke's Kingdom. The latter is adapted from the Michael Morpurgo book of the same name. It tells the story of a young boy shipwrecked on an island, who discovers he's not alone when he encounters a mysterious Japanese man. It features the voices of Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy and Ken Watanabe. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with directors Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry, art director Mike Shortenand and head of compositing Neil Martin.
Other events and screenings include masterclasses led by artists behind some of the best known and most beloved animated films including Welsh sound designer, composer and voice artist Phil Brookes who will host a live foley session on stage; The Cardiff Animation Nights launch party, the return of the One Bum Film Club; the industry day featuring panels, showcases, keynote speeches and Quick Draw, a 48-hour animation challenge. The festival will also include released and baby-friendly screenings. Every event will be captioned and BSL Interpreted.
Further announcements will be made in early March. Early bird passes are on sale now.
Cardiff Animation Festival Producer Ellys Donovan said: “We live and breathe animated films, and the highlight of our year, every year, is sharing our pick of the best new films with audiences in Cardiff and online. We also aim to support our audience’s wellbeing, factoring in points to rest, enjoy meals together and socialise. Inspiring, world-class animation in an exciting, bustling festival - a treat for all audiences.”
