Anima: Celebration of Belgian and international animation film from 28 February to 9 March

The Brussels International Animation Film Festival Anima is in party mode for its 44th edition from 28 February to 9 March.

World premieres, exclusive episodes of the Japanese animation Lazarus, a colourful Queer Party, a focus on Dreams and its legendary Animated Night all feature in the packed agenda.

At the heart of the extensive programme are some 150 films for children and adults – many of them showing in competitions – including a shorts themed section and a focus on Belgian films.

All the screenings and events are at Flagey, Cinematek and Marni, while the festival also spreads out to cinemas in Wallonia and Flanders to share programme highlights.

The festival opens on Friday with the Australian clay animation Memoir of a snail (pictured), which is a humorous new film from Oscar-winning director Adam Elliot. Despite its title, the film, an Oscar hopeful, is destined for viewers aged 14 years and up.

Otherwise, there’s a slew of titles for younger audiences. The surprise blockbuster Flow has already been winning over audiences since its release earlier this year. But its screening at Anima, accompanied by Latvian director Zilbalodis is expected to draw the crowds, especially as Brussels company Take Five was involved in its production. Another tipped film for kids is the feature Hola Frida (pictured, main image), which recounts the childhood of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

A feature film recommended for adults is the documentary Pelikan blue (pictured) by Hungarian director László Csáki. It’s an amusing and nostalgic story of three young Hungarians who want to travel around Europe following the fall of the Iron Curtain. They forge train tickets on Pelikan’s blue carbon copy paper, but become involved in a large illegal trade.

Another screening not to miss is the world premiere of Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II - The Ashes of Rage. This is the much-anticipated second episode of the Japanese supernatural animation trilogy. It brings the Apothecary back to Ōoku Remains, where a chilling mystery unfolds—people are catching fire without explanation.

Animation legend Shinichirō Watanabe, famous for Cowboy Bebop, returns to the sci-fi and action genre with Adult Swim’s Lazarus (pictured) a globe-trotting thriller set in the near future. The festival offers exclusive sneak peek at the first two episodes before the series premieres on HBO Max in Belgium and Max in Europe later this year.

On the event front, a highlight since its launch in 2022, is the Soirée Queer. Discover a dazzling selection of LGBTQIA+ films, enhanced by live performances by artists from local nightclub Cabaret Mademoiselle. Guest stars include Loulou Velvet, Mystère and the imperial mistress of ceremonies, La Veuve.

Another cult event is Nuit Animée, an all-night programme with three sessions of short films that are as fascinating as they are unpredictable, say organisers. The cinematic marathon is also staged in cinemas in Wallonia and Brussels.

The festival closes on 9 March with Ordures (pictured), a French animation by Benjamin Nuel about a disposable cup tossed out into a hostile universe.

Anima’s entertainment mission includes workshops for kids and teens, which is handy for the school holidays. It also hosts exhibitions, a VR corner, speed dating networking sessions and industry events.

Anima
28 February to 9 March
Flagey, Cinemathek and Marni
Brussels