ANIMATED SHORT FILM SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN FOR MANIPULATE FESTIVAL 2026
Manipulate Arts is thrilled to be opening submissions for animated shorts by Scottish-based filmmakers to be considered as part of the 2026 Manipulate Festival programme.
Manipulate Festival is Scotland’s international festival of animation, puppetry and visual theatre, which will celebrate its 19th edition in February 2026. Selected short films will receive a public screening at the newly re-opening Filmhouse cinema, in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre.
We are significantly expanding our animation offering and hope to offer a regular platform for the very best Scottish animated film to be presented alongside the highest quality curated programme from around the world.
Submissions are open to any genre, though as we are a primarily adult-focused festival, the work must be suitable for adult audiences. We are particularly focused on independent, auteur-led short films rather than more commercial productions. All techniques of animation are welcome and both narrative and more abstract films will be considered.
Entries are free, with selected films receiving a screening fee paid to the filmmaker.
This new strand of the festival marks a growing opportunity for Scottish animators to present their work on a dedicated platform that champions homegrown talent, fosters artistic exchange, and connects local creators with new audiences, industry peers, and international curators.