The London International Animation Festival returns from November 27 to December 6, 2026, with a programme that puts independent animation in cinemas and online. Its opening night at the Barbican focuses on filmmaker Elizabeth Hobbs, whose work and influences will be followed by a conversation.
A programme built around different ways to animate
The festival's schedule moves from an abstract showcase to a stop-motion panorama and a programme of animated documentaries. That range makes the line-up useful for anyone interested in how animation can move between expressive, material and documentary forms.
The festival's official graphic highlights its online passes.
Project: London International Animation Festival 2026
Production: London International Animation Festival
Festival images belong to LIAF and their respective creators and rights holders. Editorial reuse permission unconfirmed.
The Barbican also hosts a tribute to Phil Mulloy, while the Garden Cinema lists Ryuya Suzuki's feature Jinsei. Individual events have their own venues, age ratings and availability, so viewers should check the programme before booking.
Conversations beyond the screenings
Seven online industry sessions are listed for December 5 and 6. Their subjects include pitching a film, finding a first opportunity, distribution and the technology and craft of stop motion.
The schedule places practical conversations alongside finished films: viewers can encounter an animated work and then hear discussion about the craft and careers around it. The organiser's programme gives details for each session; the Barbican lists its own cinema events separately.
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