Manchester Animation Festival

About Manchester Animation Festival

Manchester Animation Festival is the UK's largest Animation Festival dedicated to the celebration of the animated art form. MAF is both Academy Award® and BAFTA Qualifying. Hosted at HOME in Manchester, the festival brings one of the UK’s biggest animation hubs together and

Awards this festival can qualify you for

• BAFTA Short Animation · British Short Animation

  Acceptance into the official programme is sufficient; no win required. British Short Animation needs acceptance at a MINIMUM OF ONE BAFTA-qualifying festival (fewer than the two required for British Short Film). British productions only; animation must be the primary technique.

• BIFA Best Film · Best British Independent Film

  In-person official selection at this BIFA Section B festival counts toward eligibility (two Section B British festivals confer eligibility; one Section A festival is the alternative). No win required. Online-only screenings do not qualify. British independent film (BFI cultural test). 2026 window: 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Nov 2026.

• BIFA Short · Best British Short Film

  In-person official selection is sufficient; no win required. BIFA Short Section B (British): TWO Section B festivals confer eligibility (or one Section A). British production, under 40 minutes.

• Oscar Animated Short · Animated Short Film

  Win Best Short Film to qualify for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.

Manchester Animation Festival submission FAQ