Manchester Animation Festival 2026 features several major studio previews.
Seven UK animation projects join the new BFI-backed development lab.
Animation Featured received 98 applications from producers across the UK.
The Manchester Animation Festival is returning in 2026 with a packed programme of major studio previews, international premieres and industry events, alongside a new BFI-backed initiative aimed at developing the next generation of UK animated features. The festival has also announced the seven projects selected for its inaugural Animation Featured programme.
Manchester Animation Festival 2026 lineup
The programme includes a preview of Brad Bird’s sci-fi feature Ray Gunn ahead of its Netflix release, and a making-of presentation for LAIKA’s Wildwood. Lupus Films’ Mog’s Bad Thing will receive its UK international premiere, while DreamWorks Animation will preview Forgotten Island. Cartoon Saloon will present its hand-drawn feature Julián.
Animation Featured selects seven projects
MAF has announced seven UK projects chosen for Animation Featured, a seven-month development lab supported by the BFI National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund. The initiative aims to help animated features move towards market readiness through mentorship from Ruth Fielding of Lupus Films, Richard Beek of Aardman and Claire Jennings of Coraline.
The selected projects are Check Out, a dark comedy about a supermarket in limbo; Journey to Pop Cloud Island, based on Pop Paper City; Sgà and the Wulver, a Gaelic-inspired family musical; 24 & 45, a dystopian adult sci-fi story; Made of Sticks, a stop-motion fantasy; Karaoke Club, a Filipino family musical; and The Bear and The Piano, a stop-motion adaptation of David Litchfield’s book.
MAF Festival Director Steve Henderson said, "We’re really excited that MAF is back to showcase the beauty of animation, and during these tricky times, provide a pause in the calendar for film fans to come together and celebrate the human-made brilliance that goes into animation, to connect, learn, and enjoy the best of the big screen."
Animation Featured Programme Director Jen Hall said the programme received close to 100 applications. BFI Filmmaking Fund Director Mia Bays said, "We are delighted with the response to Animation Featured, which received a staggering 98 applications, demonstrating the need for this ambitious programme that combines creative development with practical business and market training."
The Manchester Animation Festival 2026 edition will take place across Manchester from November 8 to 12.
