Returning for its 9th edition, the festival will take over Chapter Arts Centre April 23-26 with a mix of special screenings, guest speakers, and events for industry professionals and animation lovers.
Cardiff Animation Festival (CAF) has unveiled its first program highlights. Early Bird passes are now available for purchase.
Returning for its ninth edition, the festival will take over Chapter Arts Centre April 23-26 with a mix of special screenings, guest speakers, and events designed to inspire both industry professionals and animation lovers.
“Cardiff Animation Festival has always been about celebrating community and connection through animation, and 2026 is no different,” said Cardiff Animation Festival Director, Lauren Orme. “We’ve put together a playful, joyful program packed with great films, inspiring talks, cozy workshops, inclusive socials, late‑night discoveries, and the return of some festival favorites! 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 program also features a Japanese feature focus in collaboration with Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival, with special screenings of The Last Blossom and 100 Metres.
The festival has selected 98 short films for competition, which will be showcased across eight themed programs.
CAF will also spotlight the best in games, with events to feature Pip Williamson (Thank Goodness You’re Here), who will share insights into the making of the hit title. Klaus Lyngeled and Olov Redmalm of Moonhood will discuss The Midnight Walk, their 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.
A series of workshops will run throughout the festival, including Aardman model‑making sessions, The Print Haus animated flip‑book workshops, and a special session with Joanna Quinn.
Bringing the festival to a close, the annual “Best of the Fest Awards” will take place on April 26, hosted by Radio 1 film critic and animation enthusiast Ali Plumb. The event will round up the weekend’s highlights with interactive elements before presenting awards for Best Short, Best Student Short, Best Micro Short, the Young Jury Award and the Audience Award.
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.
Source: Cardiff Animation Festival
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
