Manchester Animation Festival – Family Day at HOME
Sarah Gaffney-Lang, Families Editor
Manchester Animation Festival (MAF) is the UK’s largest animation festival and returns to HOME this month for its fifth year. The packed programme includes animated short competitions, feature films, retrospective screenings, workshops, networking events, panel discussions and masterclasses from some of the best talent the world of animation has to offer.
But why should adults have all the fun?! The magical world of animation is loved by young and old alike and this year on Sunday 10 November they’re hosting a Family Day, with screenings and special events specially suited to families. Ticket prices vary for the different workshops and screenings. They’ll also be a free drop in colouring workshop, with pictures available from all the fascianting films that you can watch.
One of the highlights of the day has to be the Lego Stop-Motion Workshop (10.30 – 12.30 and 1.30 – 3.30). At £20 this is the most expensive activity of the day but during the two hour workshop you and your child will learn and hone the creative skills required to create your own stop-motion animation movie. You’ll learn how to plan a story, build and animate a set and fundamental video editing skills. It’s recommended for children 8 years and over and an adult has to stay. A truly amazing opportunity for any young people showing a real interest in animaton. Your production will also be uploaded to YouTube so you can share your masterpiece with the world!
There’ll be a screening of the Polish film Jacob, Mimmi and The Talking Dogs, as well Shaun the Sheep’s second feature-length movie, A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. They’ll also be showing a collection of the best in contemporary animated children’s short film from around the world.
Whether you’re an animation geek or just want to see something unique, you’re sure to find plenty to enjoy in the packed programme from Manchester Animation Festival. Their Family Day is set to be a fascinating insight in to a magical world guaranteed to ignite young imaginations.
