5 Events Not to Miss at Manchester Animation Festival 2025
With so much going on at this year’s Manchester Animation Festival, it would be easier to write a top 5 list for each day of the festival, instead of a one that covers the whole 5 days. MAF 2025 kicks off on Sunday 9th November with its traditional Family Day, and stretches all the way to the evening of Thursday 13th November when the awards ceremony and party will wrap up a week of animation.
However, as the title of this article stipulates, I have had to make some firm decisions, and have put together my five highlights of the festival that I am most looking forward to. Sadly, artist talks with Will Anderson and Anna Ginsburg did not make the list (although I won’t be missing these!), and neither did The Art of the Ad, which will explore the craft behind commercials. Without further ado…
- Animated Answers: Kick Start Your Animation Career
10 Nov 2025 at 10:30
About the event: Breaking in feels tougher than ever, but this one cuts through the noise. Early-career pros share how they actually got hired, what tripped them up, and the practical moves that made a difference. Real talk, real tactics, and a confidence boost to kick-start your own path.
An Animated Answers panel event
- Neurodiversity in Animation: Unlocking Creative Potential
10 Nov 2025 at 15:45
About the event: Join Aardman Animations and Flycheese Studio for an inspiring conversation on the value of neurodiverse minds in animation. We’ll explore the creativity and fresh perspectives neurodiverse talent brings to the industry, while also addressing the biases and barriers often faced. Discover how studios can build more inclusive environments, where every voice has the chance to thrive.
- How it Works: Breaking through on YouTube
11 Nov 2025 at 14:30
About the event: Audiences are scrolling, not channel-hopping. This session maps the current YouTube reality and what the platform wants, how creators grow without a broadcaster, and how institutions are adapting. The panel brings together industry professionals and rising creatives, alongside voices from YouTube itself, to discover what it takes to thrive in this fast-moving space.
- Keeping Things Creative in an AI World
13 Nov 2025 at 12:30
About the event: The idea of including AI in digital animation workflows has shifted from an avoidable option to an ever-present integration. Rapid change raises pressing issues, such as how to prioritise and safeguard artists. Which structures can guarantee moral behaviour? And how can individuals and studios improve their skills without sacrificing their creative vision? This panel brings together industry experts to discuss pressing issues, break down hybrid workflows, and share practical steps for working ethically in a rapidly changing landscape.
Keeping Things Creative in an AI World
- WIA UK: Where we go from here
13 Nov 2025 at 15:30
About the event: We reflect on the career journeys of three directors and creatives, and how they’ve navigated the animation industry as women. Despite the progress our industry has made in terms of representation, the Names Will Be Made discourse has shown us that there’s more work to be done to support women and underrepresented genders in animation. With Neeraja Raj, She Drew That’s Hannah Lau-Walker, Lindsey Adams, and Rosa Kennedy. For more context, see our recent piece: Women on Screen, Men in Charge: The Industry’s Open Secret
Northwestivus networking/social gathering at the Manchester Animation Festival
One of the things I love about MAF is the networking opportunities it offers, and I don’t think there has been as many varied and frequent events as there are this year. Whichever days you find yourself at MAF this year, be sure to tag along and grab a beer/coffee/tea at one of the many social gatherings:
The Skwigly team look forward to seeing you there!