The UK’s largest animation festival returns to Manchester next month

Now in its 8th year, the Manchester Animation Festival offers audiences a unique opportunity to engage with some of the world’s greatest animated content.

By Emma Davidson | 12 October 2022

Share this story


Returning in person for the first time in two years, the Manchester Animation Festival will showcase some of the finest animation work, with sessions taking place across the city.

Kicking off mid November with over 100 events such as; screenings, panels, workshops, masterclasses, Making Of and studio talks, the festival will run until Friday 18th November 2022.

As part of this year’s programme, fans will be invited to take an exclusive behind the scenes look at hit Netflix animation series, Dead End Paranormal Park with creator Hamish Steele and series producer Jen Coatsworth.

Based on the Dead Endia graphic novels and set in a haunted amusement park, the comedy horror adventure series sees Barney (Zach Barack) and Norma (Kody Kavitha) take on eerie unknown forces with the help of talking dog Pugsley.

In a very special event celebrating 30 years of legendary studio Mackinnon & Saunders, Ian Mackinnon and Peter Saunders will give audiences an indepth look at some of their impressive array of works, including features Fantastic Mr. Fox, Corpse Bride and globally adored children’s series Postman Pat, Bob The Builder and Rastamouse. 

There will also be a special festival preview screening of The Amazing Maurice, an animated family film from Sky based on the wildly popular Discworld novels. Featuring an all-star cast, the film tells the story of a streetwise ginger cat who comes up with a money-making scam by befriending a group of self-taught talking rats.

Showcasing the very best of the North-West, Making it in Manchester session will this year focus on gaming. The region boasts an impressive array of games companies using animation in their production and dealing with some of the biggest names in games.  

With screenings of at least 121 different short films from over 37 different countries – more than ever shown before at the festival – and exclusive premieres including The Island, Claydreams and No Dogs or Italians Allowed, Manchester Animation Festival isn’t one to be missed!   

Festival Director Steve Henderson said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Pinocchio to MAF and celebrating Mackinnon & Saunders – Manchester’s very own Geppetto’s workshop where some of the puppets for the feature were made. 

“With over 100 events this is our biggest and most exciting edition yet and we can’t wait to welcome audiences to Manchester in November for a selection of the best features, shorts and masterclasses from the world of animation” 

Manchester Animation Festival will run from 13th-18th November with both in-person and online sessions.

……………………….

Manchester Animation Festival 2022

Date: Thursday 13th – Friday 18th November
Venues: HOME, The University of Salford, Odeon Great Northern, Manchester Central Library and The International Anthony Burgess Foundation
Price: £40 – £90