Nick Park, Chris Sanders, and More: MAF 2024 Guest Speakers Announced
Manchester Animation Festival (MAF) 2024 is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in grand style, bringing together some of the most influential names in animation for a series of talks, panels, and special screenings. Running from November 11 to 14 in Manchester, UK, this year’s festival promises a wealth of opportunities for animation fans and professionals alike to engage with the creative forces behind some of the most beloved animated films and series.
One of the major highlights will be a live discussion with four-time Academy Award® winner Nick Park and Emmy-nominated Merlin Crossingham. The duo, who have recently teamed up to co-direct the upcoming "Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl," will delve into the making of the new film, which will premiere on the BBC in the UK and on Netflix globally this Christmas. This special event will take place on Tuesday, November 12, offering fans a rare behind-the-scenes look into the beloved franchise's newest chapter.
Joining the lineup is Chris Sanders, the acclaimed writer and director known for animated classics like "Lilo & Stitch" and "How to Train Your Dragon." Sanders will be at MAF to introduce his latest project, "The Wild Robot," for DreamWorks Animation. Following the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Sanders will provide exclusive insights into the making of this critically acclaimed feature during a special screening on Monday, November 11.
The festival will also host a conversation with Justin Hutchinson-Chatburn, Production Designer for Netflix’s "That Christmas." On Wednesday, November 13, Hutchinson-Chatburn will give an in-depth presentation on his work on this festive feature, based on Richard Curtis’s popular children’s books. This event is generously supported by Leeds Arts University.
Another key event will focus on the legacy of the late Richard Williams, celebrated for his work on "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and his unfinished masterpiece "The Thief and the Cobbler." Imogen Sutton, Williams’ long-time collaborator and producer, will share personal anecdotes and insights into his extraordinary career on November 13, with a special screening of "The Thief and the Cobbler" to follow.
In addition to these marquee speakers, MAF 2024 will feature a broad range of industry-focused panels. Katie Barba of A Productions, along with Daryl Shute and Laura Harper, will discuss best practices in intellectual property development, while Jen Bradfield, Tom Brown, and Helen Brunsdon will offer advice on securing funding for short films. Sound experts Dave Peacock, Hannah Fairclough, and Tim Harper will explore the complexities of dubbing and sound design in animation, thanks to the support of Peacock Sound.
Attendees will also have the chance to learn from Raoul Cacciamani, Animation Supervisor at Dimension Studio, who will guide participants through the challenges and opportunities of working with Unreal Engine in animation, in a session supported by Epic Games.
A special event will also spotlight Ukrainian animators Iryna Sosimovych, Alexandra Dzhiganskaya, and Olha Havrylova, who will pitch their projects to UK audiences for the first time, sharing insights from their participation in the UK/UA Animation Lab.
MAF’s commitment to sustainability will be reflected in a panel led by BAFTA albert’s Lisa Howe, focusing on how climate and nature are portrayed in animated content and the impactful choices filmmakers can make to promote sustainable behaviors across genres.
In addition, the festival is collaborating with Adult Swim for the first time to present an exclusive screening of their upcoming slate, featuring series such as "Common Side Effects," "Invincible Fight Girl," and the return of Australia’s "YOLO: Rainbow Trinity." Adult Swim will also host a live drawing challenge where artists will have the chance to win a commission for Adult Swim Europe’s social media.
Closing the festival’s screenings will be Isabel Herguera's animated feature "Sultana's Dream," based on the 1905 feminist sci-fi story by Rokeya Hossain. The film explores themes of female empowerment and features a variety of animation styles, including ink and watercolor, shadow puppetry, and mendhi-inspired designs. It will be shown on November 12 and 14.
With even more guest announcements and screenings still to come, MAF 2024 promises to be a thrilling celebration of the best in global animation. Tickets for all events, including the screenings of "Sultana’s Dream," are available on the festival’s website.
What You Need to Know:
- Dates: November 11–14, 2024
- Location: Manchester, UK
- Notable Guests: Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Chris Sanders, Imogen Sutton, Justin Hutchinson-Chatburn
- Special Events: Behind-the-scenes talks, film screenings, panel discussions
- Highlighted Films: "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl," "The Wild Robot," "That Christmas," "Sultana’s Dream"