Cardiff Animation Festival 2026 Unveils First Programme Highlights
Cardiff, UK – Monday 2nd February - Wales' only global animation event, Cardiff Animation Festival (CAF), has unveiled its first programme highlights as Early Bird passes go on sale.
Returning for its ninth edition, the festival will once again take over Chapter Arts Centre this April (23-26), bringing a vibrant mix of special screenings, guest speakers and events designed to inspire both industry professionals and animation lovers alike. Renowned not only for championing bold, imaginative storytelling but also for its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, CAF continues to centre underrepresented voices in 2026.
Cardiff Animation Festival Director, Lauren Orme said: “Cardiff Animation Festival has always been about celebrating community and connection through animation, and 2026 is no different. We've put together a playful, joyful programme packed with great films, inspiring talks, cosy workshops, inclusive socials, late‑night discoveries, and the return of some festival favourites! We can't wait to welcome brilliant creators from around the world alongside incredible Wales‑based talent - and we're so excited to welcome you there.”
Highlights include Julia Pott, the celebrated LA‑based British animator and illustrator known for her work on Adventure Time and as the creator of the Peabody‑ and Emmy‑nominated Summer Camp Island. The programme also features a Japanese feature film focus in collaboration with Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival, with special screenings of The Last Blossom and 100 Metres, offering a window into contemporary independent 2D animation from Japan.
The festival received its highest ever number of submissions this year - over 700 films from 61 countries - with 98 short films selected for competition. These will be showcased across eight themed programmes, featuring shorts that tell true stories, moments of calm, unusual worlds, Welsh work, and a screening suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
CAF will also spotlight the best in games, with events featuring Pip Williamson, 2D Animator on the BAFTAⓇ‑winning British video game Thank Goodness You're Here, who will share insights into the making of the hit title. Klaus Lyngeled and Olov Redmalm of Moonhood will also join the programme to discuss The Midnight Walk, their BAFTAⓇ‑nominated stop‑motion horror VR game. An accompanying exhibition will give festival‑goers the chance to play a selection of games and see the original puppets from The Midnight Walk up close.
A series of workshops will run throughout the festival, offering hands‑on creative fun including Aardman model‑making sessions, The Print Haus animated flip‑book workshops, and a special session with Academy AwardⓇ‑nominee Joanna Quinn.
Bringing the festival to a close, the annual ‘Best of the Fest Awards’ will take place on Sunday 26 April, hosted by Radio 1 film critic and animation enthusiast Ali Plumb. The event will round up the weekend's highlights with interactive elements - including an animation‑themed quiz - before presenting awards for Best Short, Best Student Short, Best Micro Short, the Young Jury Award and the Audience Award.
More events and programme highlights will be announced in the coming weeks.
Cardiff Animation Festival 2026 is supported by Welsh Government through Event Wales, Arts Council of Wales / Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru with funding from the Welsh Government and the National Lottery, Wales Arts International / Arts Council of Wales / Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru with support from the Welsh Government and the National Lottery, Ffilm Cymru Wales & BFI NETWORK with funding from the National Lottery, and Ymddiried through the Owen Edwards Scholarship Fund. Cardiff Animation Festival 2026 is sponsored by University of South Wales, Cloth Cat and Beryl Productions.
Returning for its ninth edition, the festival will once again take over Chapter Arts Centre this April (23-26), bringing a vibrant mix of special screenings, guest speakers and events designed to inspire both industry professionals and animation lovers alike. Renowned not only for championing bold, imaginative storytelling but also for its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, CAF continues to centre underrepresented voices in 2026.
Cardiff Animation Festival Director, Lauren Orme said: “Cardiff Animation Festival has always been about celebrating community and connection through animation, and 2026 is no different. We've put together a playful, joyful programme packed with great films, inspiring talks, cosy workshops, inclusive socials, late‑night discoveries, and the return of some festival favourites! We can't wait to welcome brilliant creators from around the world alongside incredible Wales‑based talent - and we're so excited to welcome you there.”
Highlights include Julia Pott, the celebrated LA‑based British animator and illustrator known for her work on Adventure Time and as the creator of the Peabody‑ and Emmy‑nominated Summer Camp Island. The programme also features a Japanese feature film focus in collaboration with Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival, with special screenings of The Last Blossom and 100 Metres, offering a window into contemporary independent 2D animation from Japan.
The festival received its highest ever number of submissions this year - over 700 films from 61 countries - with 98 short films selected for competition. These will be showcased across eight themed programmes, featuring shorts that tell true stories, moments of calm, unusual worlds, Welsh work, and a screening suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
CAF will also spotlight the best in games, with events featuring Pip Williamson, 2D Animator on the BAFTAⓇ‑winning British video game Thank Goodness You're Here, who will share insights into the making of the hit title. Klaus Lyngeled and Olov Redmalm of Moonhood will also join the programme to discuss The Midnight Walk, their BAFTAⓇ‑nominated stop‑motion horror VR game. An accompanying exhibition will give festival‑goers the chance to play a selection of games and see the original puppets from The Midnight Walk up close.
A series of workshops will run throughout the festival, offering hands‑on creative fun including Aardman model‑making sessions, The Print Haus animated flip‑book workshops, and a special session with Academy AwardⓇ‑nominee Joanna Quinn.
Bringing the festival to a close, the annual ‘Best of the Fest Awards’ will take place on Sunday 26 April, hosted by Radio 1 film critic and animation enthusiast Ali Plumb. The event will round up the weekend's highlights with interactive elements - including an animation‑themed quiz - before presenting awards for Best Short, Best Student Short, Best Micro Short, the Young Jury Award and the Audience Award.
More events and programme highlights will be announced in the coming weeks.
Cardiff Animation Festival 2026 is supported by Welsh Government through Event Wales, Arts Council of Wales / Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru with funding from the Welsh Government and the National Lottery, Wales Arts International / Arts Council of Wales / Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru with support from the Welsh Government and the National Lottery, Ffilm Cymru Wales & BFI NETWORK with funding from the National Lottery, and Ymddiried through the Owen Edwards Scholarship Fund. Cardiff Animation Festival 2026 is sponsored by University of South Wales, Cloth Cat and Beryl Productions.
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