One of the most exciting festivals I’ve attended in recent years – in terms of the level of activity, attendance, vibrance, youth enthusiasm and for sheer jam-pcking just a few days with a wonderful programme – is the Bradford Animation Festival (BAF).
Now in its 18th year, this year’s festival is sure to attract its usual eclectic mix of animation appreciators. From enthusiasts and university students across the country, to local folk interested in animation, to families making the most of the inclusive activities set up within the festival’s home of the National Media Museum.
In just the few days that the festival runs (Nov 8-12), it manages to cram in thought provoking focused panoramas showcasing animation from all around the world, special guests, industry focused events and the coveted BAF Awards (Picture above). All this while still having a whole strand dedicated to videogames.
The Festival’s official opening gala takes place on the evening of Wednesday 9th with the opening film The Ugly Duckling (Picture at the top of this post); Russian filmmaker Garri Bardin’s stop motion animation feature length interpretation of this famous tale.
Along with a retrospective of award winning Russian animation studio, Studio M.I.R, one of the other events I particularly have my eye on is Beyond Anime, a challenge to the common conception of what is ‘Japanese animation’. There won’t be any robo-mechs or Neo-Tokyos here, as CALF Animation’s Atsushi Wada, creator of many fascinating short films over last nine years or so, will present the work of four innovative animators (picture above from CALF animation: Hand Soap).
Other guests include animator/illustrator/comic book creator Richard McGuire, Disney and Pixar layout/set designer Scott Caple, and the pair of Fraser MacLean and Roy Naisbitt, who both worked on Who Framed Roger Rabbit. But the most high profile guest must be senior Pixar animator Andy Schmidt (picture above). Schmidt has animated iconic characters such as Mike and Sully from Monster’s Inc., Marlin, Dory, and Bruce from Finding Nemo, and Bob (picture below) and Helen from The Incredibles. He has also animated on Ratatouille, Wall-E, Up, Toy Story 3 and Cars 2. He will be giving what will undoubtedly be an insightful account of working at the very forefront of mainstream animation.
With over 120 films spread throughout panoramas, retrospectives, or in the various competitions (including Films by Young Animators, Films for Children, Music Videos, Commercials, Professional Films and Student Films), there is something for any level of animation fan.
For a more comprehensive look at what is on and when, go to the official website
Mike McKenny – tweets @destroyapathy