The online event will run November 1-30 with live events and screenings running November 14-19; 2021 poster artwork was designed by award-winning animator Matthew Lee.
Manchester Animation Festival (MAF) has announced plans to return as a hybrid event for its 2021 edition. The festival will take place online from November 1-30, 2021, with live events and screenings set for November 14-19. Additional information is available on the event website; programming and on-sale dates will be announced in September.
MAF will once again offer audiences access to animated content from the comfort of their homes while showcasing some not-to-be missed in-person film screenings. The news comes alongside a first look at the 2021 poster artwork, which has been designed by award-winning animator Matthew Lee.
Lee directed Cabin Pressure (winner of the 2017 Student Award at MAF) and his NFTS graduation film One Liner, which screened at MAF 2019. The poster relays the quirky humour of his work that won over the festival team after seeing his MAF award-winning short.
“We’re big fans of Matthew’s work here at MAF, so when picking an artist with a connection to the festival to design our indent he felt like the perfect fit,” shared festival programmer Jen Hall. “The team have been eagerly awaiting his next film so we thought we might as well commission it to be a part of the 2021 Festival!”
The 2021 hybrid event will be guided by the latest government and MAF partner venue guidance. Festival organizers have confirmed that this year’s festival will be bigger than last year with new features yet to be announced.
“Though the world isn’t quite back to normal yet, by building on the successes of our 2020 online festival we hope to be able to provide a bigger and better experience that will suit everyone!” commented festival director Steve Henderson. “We have expanded our team and are making relevant new hires to increase the scale of the festival and support year-round activity.”
Source: Manchester Animation Festival
