The line-up has been revealed for this year’s Manchester Animation Festival, including a new video created by Oscar-nominee, Will Becher.
MAF is the country’s largest animation festival and will return in November for its ninth edition.
Among this year’s highlights are the animated adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Kensuke’s Kingdom; the Manchester premiere of Aardman’s Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget; and an advanced screening of Netflix’s brand new series, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.
Today also sees the reveal of its official ident and sting, which has been designed by Will Becher, the co-director of Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon.
Between 12th and 17th November, there will be more than 100 events hosted across the city, including screenings, panels, workshops, masterclasses, making of sessions and studio talks.
‘Making Of..’ sessions will show what it takes to create an animation on a global scale, including Netflix’s ‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget’ with Senior Animator, Suzy Fagan Parr.
Comic book artist and animation producer ND Stevenson will discuss the recently released Netflix fantasy adventure comedy ‘Nimona’, and Producer Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones will talk about Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming animated blockbuster ‘Wish’.
The festival culminates in its Film Awards and for the first time this year, the winner of the Short Film category will automatically qualify for Oscar Academy Award consideration.
“It’s been a big, exciting year for MAF with news of our Oscar Qualifying status and the momentum hasn’t stopped! Myself and the team are delighted to be bringing the world of animation to Manchester this November and presenting some of the best films from across the world and giving our audiences the chance to hear from the best people in the world of animation!” said Festival Director Steve Henderson.
“We look forward to welcoming audiences to Manchester to see something amazing.”
Manchester Animation Festival is supported by the BFI (awarding funds from the National Lottery) and sponsored, partnered and supported by HOME, University of Salford, Blue Zoo, BBC Children’s & Education, XP-Pen and Leonardo Hotels.
