‘From the UK With Love’ – Skwigly Partners with Azerbaijan’s AnimaFilm to Celebrate British Animation This Month
Skwigly Animation Magazine is pleased to announce a new cross-cultural initiative which we have been developing in collaboration with our partner ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival, and with the support of the British Council.
To encourage greater cultural dialogue between the UK and Azerbaijan, the British Council has been supporting a number of artistic collaboration projects via its Culture Connects programme throughout 2024/25. This year, on 15-16 February, we are excited to present a two-day festival showcasing British films centered on the theme of Love. Additionally, Skwigly co-owner (and animation producer) Aaron Wood will lead two insightful lectures for animation professionals, sharing his expertise and knowledge to inspire and empower creators in the field.
The two-day festival will take place across multiple locations in the city, including the Nizami Cinema Center – a venue built in the 1940s and one of the oldest cinemas of the country.
Why the theme of Love? In October 2024, the 7th edition of the ANIMAFILM Festival celebrated Love as its central theme, highlighting the power of this universal emotion to inspire and unite people. Following on from the 7th edition theme, we have selected 24 British films that, through the art of animation, explore the multifaceted nature of love – whether it’s love for family, friends, nature, or even the love of storytelling itself. By highlighting love, we want to foster empathy, understanding, and a sense of togetherness among audiences.
Having participated in the 7th edition of ANIMAFILM last year, I am very excited to be able to return to Baku as part of this initiative and showcase some of the best British animated shorts to a new audience. I would like to extend my thanks to the ANIMAFILM team who have made this opportunity possible and for welcoming me back – I can’t wait to meet with and share my experiences with Azerbaijan’s growing animation community.
Aaron Wood, Slurpy Studios Producer, Skwigly Co-Owner
Bringing rich, versatile British animation to Azerbaijani screens is an incredible opportunity, especially as we are showcasing works that explore different aspects of Love and appeal to different age groups. Working with our curator Aaron Wood and collaborating with Skwigly has been a pleasure, and we are excited to create a bridge between our cultures through the art of animation!
Aydan Kazimova, ANIMAFILM Festival Project Manager
Screenings & Lectures
Screening 1: ANIMAFILM – From the UK with Love (18+)
The first screening will take place on Saturday 15th February (2-4pm) at the Nizami Cinema Center in Baku. All films will be shown in the original language, with Azerbaijani subtitles, while the overall classification of the screening is 18+ due to some of the films’ more mature subjects. The programme will include:
- Dreams and Desires: Family Ties (2006), Joanna Quinn
- I’m OK (2018), Lizzie Hobbs
- Dateless (2014), Remus Buznea, Kyriaki Kyriakou
- Nigel (2020), Natasza Cetner
- Your Mothers Are Mine (2017), Kim Noce
- Grandad Was a Romantic (2019), Maryam Mohajer
- A Love Story (2016), Anushka Kishani
- Blind Date (2010), Nigel Davies
- Hotel Kalura (2021), Sophie Koko Gate
- Leaf Boat (2020), Efa Blosse-Mason
- The Last Belle (2011), Neil Boyle
Click here for more information & tickets.
Screening 2: ANIMAFILM – From the UK with Love (7+)
The second screening will take place on Sunday 16th February (2-4pm) at the Nizami Cinema Center in Baku. All films will be shown in the original language, with Azerbaijani subtitles, and will be suitable for families and younger children over 7. The programme will include:
- The Day I Became a Bird (2023), Andrew Ruhemann
- Espero? (2013), Simone Giampaolo
- Chickens (2017), George Wu
- Poles Apart (2017), Paloma Baeza
- Croak (2018), Frida Ek
- Deeper Still (2024), Max Callaby
- The Owl and the Pussycat (2020), Mole Hill
- Toto Bona Lokua – Ma Mama (2017), Katy Wang
- The Lonely Mountain (2016), Charlie Miller
- Father and Daughter (2000), Michael Dudok de Wit
- Lynx & Birds (2017), Simone Giampaolo
- The Promise (2020), Chi Thai
- Tanked (2021), Duncan Rudd
Click here for more information & tickets.
Lecture 1: Producing Animation – The Role & Importance of the Producer
On Saturday 15th February (11am-1pm), animation producer and Skwigly co-owner, Aaron Wood, will be presenting his lecture on producing animation at ANİMAFİLM Studio.
With over 15 years of industry experience, Aaron has amassed a wealth of knowledge about the animation process, from setting up a studio to managing complex projects. Now, he’s offering aspiring producers in Baku an exclusive opportunity to learn from his journey! In this engaging lecture, Aaron will delve into the key responsibilities of an animation producer, including budgeting, scheduling, pipeline management, and marketing, while sharing invaluable advice on taking the next steps toward a career in production.
Click here for more information & tickets.
Lecture 2: Pitching Your Own Animation Project – Pitch Bibles, Marketplaces and Getting It Made
On Sunday 16th February (11am-1pm), animation producer and Skwigly co-owner, Aaron Wood, will be presenting his lecture on the art of pitching an animation project at ANİMAFİLM Studio.
With 20 years of experience in the animation industry, Aaron is now sharing his expertise to help creators in Baku turn their ideas into reality. If you’ve ever wanted to pitch an animation project but didn’t know where to begin, this is your chance to learn from an experienced professional! This lecture will be structured in two parts: part one will explore what to include in your pitch materials, the structure, and getting ready to pitch at an industry standard level. Part two will look at the best route to presenting your idea; from where to find commissioners/partners, to the events and forums you need to know about. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to sharpen your pitching skills!
Click here for more information & tickets.
About ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival
ANIMAFILM promotes creativity through animated cinema, and believes that animated films can unite people and bring about significant changes in society. Since 2018, the ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival has evolved into a global platform organized annually. The festival brings together children, young people, animation directors, and studios, introducing them to international experiences, connecting them with professional local and international animation masters, and showcasing hundreds of animated films. It also features masterclasses, conferences, concerts, performances, and exhibitions. In 2024, ANIMAFILM announced its inclusion in the prestigious BAFTA Qualifying Festivals List for the British Short Animation category.