The richness and creativity of Scottish animation is showcased in this selection of ten short films, shown as part of the Manipulate Festival. Here are some of my favourites:
The stop-motion world of Distance to the Moon, by Sacha Kyle and Victoria Watson, is full of texture and graceful movement, as its determined protagonist embarks on an epic journey. There’s peril, beauty and friendship, and plenty of surprises.
Fairground Fever, by Linda Hughes, is colourful and nostalgic. A young woman visits a fairground with her friends. She enters a visually thrilling, swirling world of wonder and excitement. Painted in acrylics, the animation delights with movement and joy.
Creche and Burn, by Frank O’Neil, is told from the perspective of a child. Zombies are on the rampage, and heroic nursery staff must battle to keep the kids safe. Corporate office workers are transformed into the undead, but were they really alive to begin with? It’s an entertaining piece of satire.
In Making Mountains, Sammi Duong reflects on her experience of anxiety. As her thoughts escalate, the visual landscape becomes increasingly daunting and fragmented. Meanwhile, charcoal animation Veni Vide Non Vici, by Leonor Calaça, dissects the arguments used to justify the brutality of Portuguese bullfighting culture, with thundering sound design and powerful images.
The Jubilee by Wilma Smith tells of the sorrow, isolation, and childlike hope of a woman with dementia, with moving performances by Tina Grey and David Hayman.
The Scottish animation sector is growing and thriving, providing opportunities to artists and creating an abundance of storytelling. This selection of excellent shorts demonstrates the exciting variety of animated work that is being created in Scotland.
Animated Scottish Shorts was shown on 8th February 2026 at the Filmhouse in Edinburgh. https://www.filmhouse.org.uk/home/
Reviewer: Wendy McEwan
Reviewed: 8th February 2026
North West End UK Rating: