Animation Nation Forum (ANF) at Manchester Animation Festival – Top Picks for 2025
Manchester Animation Festival’s Animation Nation Forum (ANF) is always one of my favourote parts of the week. After watching some great short films and maserclasses, it is a welcome break to take a full day away from the festival environment and immerse myself fully in the more ‘industry’ side of things. Taking place all day at Bridgewater Hall on Wednesday 12th November. the ANF gives animation professionals a chance to hear what is happening throughout the industry, and where things are heading next.
With the difficult period that the industry seems to be going through of late, the lively and insightful ANF brings together a host of speakers to answer some of the hot topics and questions facing the industry as we see off 2025 and head into a fresh 2026…
In the Frame: The Future Normal
The past 5 years have seen seismic changes to the animation landscape; not only for how it is made, but also how it is consumed. Experts will explore how creators and studios are adapting to this rapidly evolving landscape and discuss what sustainability looks like in a digital first, direct to audience world. This event will examine how these massive creative, commercial and cultural shifts are creating a new normal for animation businesses. Panel guests include:
- James Cameron — Creative Director and co-founder of Imaginakery, developing innovative family-focused IP like Jungle Squad.
- Rob Doherty — Veteran of children’s TV and animation, founder of festivus and FSTVS recruitment service.
- Darran Garnham — Licensing and merchandising expert, founder of Toikido, bringing hit games and original IP from screen to shelf.
State of the Animation Nation
Presenting the State of the Animation Nation roundtable discussion; a session where a spectrum of animation’s finest paint a contemporary picture of the animation industry by answering a wide range of hard hitting questions. This panel is a space to reflect on the challenges and triumphs that the industry has been subject to, and what may lay ahead. Panel guests include:
- Andrew Ruhemann — Oscar-winning filmmaker and founder of Passion Pictures, behind The Lost Thing, Gorillaz, and acclaimed documentaries.
- Julio Bonet — Director of Animation Series (UK & EMEA) at Netflix, driving international hits from Blue Eye Samurai to Ricky Gervais’s upcoming Alley Cats.
- Camilla Deakin — Award-winning producer and co-founder of Lupus Films, known for beautifully crafted adaptations like Ethel & Ernest and The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
- Kate O’Connor — Senior screen industries consultant and Executive Chair of Animation UK, representing and advocating for the UK’s animation sector.
State of the Animation Nation (2024)
Features of the Future
The animation feature landscape is evolving faster than ever, with independent breakthroughs commanding audience attention alongside studio blockbusters in the battle for the box office. For creators and studios alike, the question is no longer just how to make an animated feature, but how to get it made, seen, and sustained in today’s shifting marketplace. This panel brings together industry leaders to discuss development, financing, and new routes to audiences. Panel guests include:
- Andrew Baker — Award-winning producer and founder of Cantilever Media, behind the animated feature The Amazing Maurice.
- Liz Warren — BFI Fund Manager with 25+ years’ experience in talent development, festivals, and cultural organisations across the UK and Europe.
Co-Producing for Global Audiences: Unlocking International Success
In today’s rapidly evolving animation landscape, co-production has become much more than just a financing tool – it’s a creative lifeline, and a pathway to global audiences. This panel brings together leading industry figures to explore the opportunities and challenges of international collaboration. If you’re looking to expand into new markets, diversify your content pipeline, or strengthen creative alliances, industry experts will highlight how co-productions can unlock growth and innovation across the animation industry. Panel guests include:
- Marc du Pontavice — CEO and founder of Xilam Animation, producer of global hits like Oggy and the Cockroaches and Zig & Sharko.
- Sarah Muller — Senior Head of Commissioning 7+ at BBC Children’s, overseeing drama, animation, factual and entertainment for young audiences.
Animation Nation Forum (ANF)
Running alongside the ANF is the annual MAF Marketplace, which allows companies, animation, and educators to showcase their work and meet the festival delegates. The marketplace is free and open to all. – just drop in.
We look forward to seeing you there!