Manchester Animation Festival has revealed its line-up of specials guests, masterclasses, workshops, screenings and panels for its return to Manchester on November 15-17, 2016.
MANCHESTER, UK – The Manchester Animation Festival returns after a highly successful first year that saw sell out performances, screenings and events led by key figures from the world of animation, attracting a total of more than 4,400 attendances over 3 days. The BFI is supporting this year’s festival with National Lottery funding as part of its audience development activity.
“We’re delighted to be able host this year’s festival at home and present a reflection and celebration of what has proved to be a very strong year for the animated art form,” said festival director Steve Henderson. “We’re looking forward to November and welcoming delegates to our workshops, masterclasses, panels discussions, retrospectives and screenings, there is sure to be something for all animation fans here in Manchester.”
This year Aardman Animation co-founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton will be celebrating 40 years of the studio and will be honored with the festival fellowship award. The festival will also screen a selection of their classic films.
Lupus Films will give audiences a behind the scenes look at their recent adaptation of Raymond Briggs' masterpiece Ethel and Ernest, a BFI-backed film which will be released in the UK on October 28. French studio, Folimage, best known for their award winning feature A Cat in Paris, will be presenting their latest project Phantom Boy. There will also be a unique opportunity to discover the technique and technology behind Blue Zoo's immersive virtual reality short Hoodoo which will premiere at the festival. Ground-breaking UK director and producer Chris Shepherd will also present a masterclass and retrospective of his work.
Panel discussions:
In the Frame: Women in Animation – Panel will focus on the representation of women in animated films.
In Your Own Time – Discover the passion and determination behind seminal projects such as The Sandman with co-creator Ian Mackinnon, the explosive Chuck Steel with creator Mike Mort and the early years of Aardman presented by the company’s founders.
Kovásznai: A Cold War Artist brings to life the art and craft of Hungarian cold-war animator György Kovásznai and the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation share some of the treasures of their vast collection with a screening of the rarely seen short film Ray Harryhausen and Me, presented by foundation trustee John Walsh.
Book Your Ideas Up - The festival will also take a look at the latest animation books that dissect the world of animation and meet the authors behind.
Screenings:
The festival will screen a special preview of Michael Dudok de Wit's critically acclaimed Studio Ghibli co-production The Red Turtle. The fascinating documentary about determined Disney animator Floyd Norman: An Animated Life also plays. Other screenings include Ethel and Ernest, Phantom Boy and an anniversary screening of the Ray Harryhausen classic Clash of the Titans screening from a 35mm print
The competition screenings have been selected from over 900 entries, representing 63 countries celebrating the international wealth of animated achievement in the commissioned films, short films, short shorts and student films. Each of the categories will be awarded a prize. The newly introduced industry excellence awards will award individual contributions to writing, storyboarding and character animation.
Online animation magazine Skwigly.com will host The Skwigly screening featuring short films as well as presenting the Skwigly animation podcast live from the festival.
Workshops:
Andrew Burrell (script editor/writer Danger Mouse), Jez Hall (storyboard artist Cosgrove Hall, Brown Bag Films) and character animator Bader Badruddin (character animator, Blue Zoo) will offer a workshop.
BAFTA-winning animator Joanna Quinn will be hosting a life drawing workshop.
Tickets and passes are on sale now, more details are available here.
Source: Manchester Animation Festival
