With November marking the return of the UK’s only Oscar-qualifying animation festival, we’re once again diving into the Manchester Animation Festival programme to highlight must-sees for attendees and flag standout shorts for those following along from afar. With a mixture of recognisable names and exciting new talents, MAF once again promises to be one of the highlights of the festival calendar. This year’s festival offers a range of features, talks, and events, but we’ve zeroed in on the short films and selected eight must-see titles for you to check out:
A Crab in the Pool – Alexandra Myotte & Jean-Sébastien Hamel
Synopsis: In a run-down neighborhood, Zoe and her little brother Theo are left to fend for themselves.
Why to Watch: A regular fixture on the festival scene over the last couple of years, winning awards at Ottawa, SXSW and more, A Crab in the Pool might seem like an obvious pick – but it’s one we just couldn’t leave off this list. Myotte and Hamel’s powerful short combines raw emotion with imaginative elements, delivering a story that’s both captivating and deeply moving. Currently running its FYC campaign for the Best Animated Short Oscar, it would be a huge surprise (and a disappointment) if this film isn’t in the conversation when the longlists are revealed.
Adiós – José Prats
Synopsis: Pedro is trying to deal with the imminent departure of his son moving away from home.
Why to Watch: While some students of the NFTS have made a name for themselves in the world of animation with some humorous (award-winning) shorts, José Prats’ Adiós is a much more sombre affair. An understated story with some complex undertones, Adiós tackles themes of family and home in its brief, but impressive 8-minute run-time.
Beautiful Men – Nicolas Keppens
Synopsis: Three balding brothers travel to Istanbul to get a hair transplant.
Why to Watch: A grounded aesthetic and a relatable narrative give Keppens’ latest short instant appeal and lasting impact. Another festival favourite, Beautiful Men has already picked up awards at Annecy, Aspen and Ottawa and it’s easy to see why, the meticulous design is stunning and the storytelling is of the highest quality.
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Bunnyhood – Mansi Maheshwari
Synopsis: Bobby loves her mum. She trusts her. Their relationship is UNBREAKABLE. Or so she thinks.
Why to Watch: A scrappy, energetic short that’s already played Cannes this year, Bunnyhood is an unforgettable watch and an attention-grabbing calling card for its creator Manshi Maheshwari. A playful and unpredictable piece, this is a short that blends an experimental attitude with some surprisingly relatable storytelling based around, “why people feel the need to lie, and its consequences” as Maheshwari explained in our interview earlier this year.
Canard (Duck) – Elie Chapuis
Synopsis: Vladimir and Olga raise ducks on a small isolated farm in the countryside. They hope for a child, but this expectation soon turns into a nightmare.
Why to Watch: With its striking imagery, Canard is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who see it. At times tender and gentle, Chapuis’ relatable story of a couple trying for a baby soon enters more abstract territory as Olga becomes increasingly obsessed with a wounded duck. Full of unexpected twists, this short is simple but delightfully surprising!
Deep Rooted – Duncan Rudd
Synopsis: It’s OK being the tallest tree in the forest. But, when the wind blows, how solid is the ground you’re standing on? An impatient acorn with grand ambitions reaches for the sky. But at what cost to its environment?
Why to Watch: Following the journey of a tree from acorn to towering giant, Duncan Rudd’s ambitious film has the charm of a Pixar short, appealing to audiences both young and old. MAF consistently curates an excellent selection of family-friendly films and events, but for me, the shorts are always the standout feature to enjoy with little ones.
Root Note – Guy Larsen
Synopsis: Four starving plants scavenge to exist on the edge of an arid slate mine. Then they discover something that gives them purpose and allows them to thrive – jazz music. With music recorded by The Chineke! Orchestra, Europe’s first majority-Black and ethnically diverse orchestra.
Why to Watch: In Root Note, Larsen’s seven-minute short, an eerie yet touching narrative unfolds from a surreal premise, blending impressive character design with remarkable world-building. Though undeniably strange, the film carries a lot of heart, showcasing Larsen’s talent and establishing him as a filmmaker to watch.
British Animated Short Film Award
Wander to Wonder – Nina Gantz
Synopsis: After the creator of a series dies, three miniature, human actors are left alone in the studio.
Why to Watch: A short I’d confidently call perfect, Wander to Wonder by Nina Gantz is a film that’s already made waves on numerous ‘Best of’ lists including my SXSW favourites back in March, as well as a BIFA nomination earlier this week – and for good reason. With impeccable craftsmanship and a surreal yet unexpectedly heartfelt story, it stands out as an exceptional piece, unlike anything else in animation today.
You can find more unmissable films, like the ones playing Manchester Animation Festival, in our Best of Fest collections.
