ANiMiNSPO Mini Animation Festival is back at Zinezilla, a creative collaboration in the heart of Bristol! Transforming a multi-level venue at the Trinity centre in Bristol, into a buzzing hub of independent animation, zines and comics.

Downstairs you’ll find Zinezilla, Bristol’s much-loved comic and zine fair, hosting stalls packed with self-published comics, zines, prints, and artwork from local and national creators.

Upstairs, ANiMiNSPO will be curating an animation festival showcasing short films from emerging and independent animators from the UK and beyond. Expect a diverse mix of styles, stories, and experimentation, with a focus on bold, original voices in animation.

Whether you're an animator, illustrator, zine lover, or just a fan of visual storytelling, this festival is a celebration of all things indie, imaginative, and inspiring.

We’re currently accepting short animated films of all genres and styles – from 2D, 3D, stop-motion, work in progress, experimental, student work and beyond.

Join us for a day where comics and animation meet, and spark something magical.

Awards & Prizes

We believe in celebrating originality, craft, and storytelling in all its animated forms.

Unicycle Award - Most Inspiring Film

Mayhem Award - Best Animation Technique

Mayhem Award - Best Cinematography

Mayhem Award - Best Art Direction

Rules & Terms

English subtitles are required for films not in English.

No premiere status required – previously screened films are welcome.

Multiple submissions are allowed, but please submit each film separately.

Eligibility
Open to filmmakers of all nationalities, though we have a special focus on local and UK-based animators.

Entrants must be 18 years or older, or have consent from a parent/guardian.

Selection
Not all submitted films will be selected – selection is curated by a diverse panel of experienced filmmakers and animators.

Selected filmmakers will be notified by email and may be asked for additional materials (e.g., stills, bios, or high-res files).

The selection decision is final and no feedback can be provided on non-selected films.

Screening Rights
By submitting, you grant ANiMiNSPO a non-exclusive license to exhibit your film once during the September 2026 event.

You retain full ownership of your work.

We may use clips or stills for promotional purposes related to the event (e.g., social media, press releases, trailers).

Legal
You must have the rights to all content in your film, including music, visuals, and third-party materials.

ANIMINSPO and Zinezilla are not responsible for any copyright infringement related to submitted content.

Submitting a film constitutes acceptance of these terms.
2 Reviews
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  • Melle Windig

    This might not be the biggest or most prestigious Animation Film Festival around but it is one of the festivals I regret most that I was not able to attend in person. IT LOOKED LIKE SO MUCH FUN! Happy that with the screening of our short student stop motion film Cell Buddies we could still be a part of it!

    November 2025
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  • Tommy Howlett

    Amazingly put together! They had a really solid selection. The venue and sound quality was strong. and everyone was accommodating and kind. Incredibly well put together festival alongside Zinezilla and I hope they can do it every year!

    September 2025
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