Cardiff Animation Festival Reveals First Highlights

One of the UK's biggest animation events- and the only global animation event in Wales- is returning for its ninth edition. Cardiff Animation Festival is returning to Chapter Arts Centre from April 23-26, 2026. The festival will feature a mix of guest speakers, special screenings and events designed to inspire industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. The festival is renowned not only for championing bold, imaginative storytelling but also for its commitment to inclusivity- at a time when such values are under attack.

As Passes go on sale, the festival has announced its first program highlights. 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 Potts, the British, L.A.-based animator known for her work on Adventure Time and for creating Summer Camp Island. The programme also includes a Japanese feature-film focus in association with Kotatsu Japanese Animated Film Festival. The Festival will be screening 100 Meters and The Last Blossom, shining a light on contemporary independent Japanese animation.

The festival received its highest ever number of submissions this year- over 700 films from 61 countries. Of that 98 films were selected to screen in competition that will be showcased in eight themed programmes, including true stories, Welsh work and films intended for the very young.

CAF will also highlight the best work being done 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, sharing making-of details from The Midnight Walk, their BAFTAⓇ‑nominated stop‑motion horror VR game. An accompanying exhibition will allow attendees to see the puppets from the game up close.

A series of workshops will be run throughout the festival, including Aardman model-making sessions, The Print Haus flipbook workshops and a session with Oscar-nominated animator Joanna Quinn.

Bringing the festival to a close is the annual Best Of The Fest awards, 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 quiz- before presenting the awards for Best Short, Best Student Short, Best Micro short, The Young Jury Award and The Audience Award.

More events and highlights will be announced in the coming weeks. Early Bird Passes have already sold out (in a day!) but regular passes, industry passes and online passes are still available from here.