cardiff Animation Festival Announces 2024 Program Highlights, Showcasing Global Talent
The Cardiff Animation Festival is set to return to Chapter Arts Centre from April 23-26, unveiling a vibrant programme of screenings, talks, and events designed to inspire both seasoned industry professionals and passionate animation enthusiasts. This year marks the ninth edition of the festival, promising a playful and joyful experience for attendees.
According to the festival director, Lauren Orme, “Cardiff Animation Festival has always been about celebrating community and connection through animation, and 2024 is no different. We’ve put together a playful, joyful programme packed with great films, inspiring talks, cosy workshops, inclusive socials, late‑night discoveries, and the return of some festival favourites! We can’t wait to welcome brilliant creators from around the world alongside amazing Wales‑based talent – and we’re so excited to welcome you there.”
The 2024 programme boasts an remarkable lineup of guest speakers, including Julia Pott, the Los Angeles-based British animator and illustrator celebrated for her contributions to Adventure Time and her creation of the Peabody- and Emmy-nominated Summer Camp Island. A notable focus will also be placed on Japanese animation, in collaboration with the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival. Special screenings of The Last Blossom and 100 Metres will offer audiences a glimpse into the world of contemporary self-reliant 2D animation from japan.
This year’s festival received a record-breaking number of submissions – over 700 films from 61 countries – with 98 short films ultimately selected for competition. These selections will be presented across eight themed programmes, encompassing narratives based on true stories, moments of tranquility, imaginative worlds, Welsh animation, and family-friendly content.
Beyond film, the festival will also spotlight the intersection of animation and gaming. Pip Williamson, a 2D Animator on the BAFTA-winning British video game Thank Goodness You’re Here, will share insights into the game’s development. Klaus Lyngeled and Olov Redmalm of Moonhood will discuss their BAFTA-nominated stop-motion horror VR game, the Midnight walk. An accompanying exhibition will allow attendees to experience a selection of games and view the original puppets used in The midnight Walk.
A diverse range of workshops will be offered throughout the festival,including model-making sessions by Aardman animators,animated flip-book workshops hosted by The Print Haus,and a special masterclass with academy Award-nominee Joanna Quinn.
The festival will culminate in the annual ‘Best of the Fest Awards’ on Sunday, April 26, hosted by Radio 1 film critic and animation enthusiast Ali Plumb. The event will feature interactive elements, such as an animation-themed quiz, before presenting awards for Best Short, Best Student Short, Best micro Short, the Young Jury Award, and the Audience Award.
Why: The Cardiff Animation festival is returning for its ninth year to celebrate animation, foster community, and showcase both established and emerging talent.
Who: The festival features guest speakers like Julia Pott, Pip Williamson, Klaus Lyngeled, Olov Redmalm, and Joanna Quinn, and is directed by Lauren Orme. It attracts animators, illustrators, game developers, and animation enthusiasts from around the world.
What: The festival includes film screenings (over 700 submissions from 61 countries, 98 selected), talks, workshops (Aardman, Print Haus, Joanna Quinn), an animation/gaming exhibition, and an awards ceremony.
How did it end?: The festival concludes with the ‘Best of the Fest Awards’ on April
