Animation Submissions

Have you created an animation you'd love to share with an audience? Aberdeen Animates celebrates animation talent, creativity and storytelling, providing a platform for animators to showcase their work and connect with the wider creative community.

We're inviting animators to submit their films for consideration for Aberdeen Animates 2027, taking place on 27th March 2027 at The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen.

 

Submission dates

• Submissions open: 1st November 2026

• Submission deadline: 30th January 2027

All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.

 

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration, films must meet the following requirements:

• Age: The applicant must be aged 18 or over.

• Location: Submissions are welcomed through our Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire category and our Scotland-wide category. Applicants must meet the residency requirements for their chosen category.

• Duration: Films must have a running time of between 1 and 5 minutes.

• Original work: Submissions must be original work, and applicants must own or have the necessary rights and permissions for all submitted material.

• Animation: Animation must be central to the submitted film.

 

Content guidelines

Aberdeen Animates aims to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for audiences and participants.

We will not accept submissions containing:

• Sexual content.

• Extreme violence.

• Racist, homophobic or other hateful or discriminatory content.

• Illegal content.

 

Use of AI

Aberdeen Animates does not accept films in which generative AI has been used to create the creative content of the animation.

Limited administrative or accessibility-related uses of AI may be permitted, provided they do not contribute to the creative work itself.

 

Selection process

All eligible submissions will be considered by the Aberdeen Animates judging team. Films will be selected based on their creative qualities and suitability for the festival programme.

Submission does not guarantee selection or screening at the event.

 

Submission requirements

Applicants must submit their films through FilmFreeway and provide all requested information and materials.

Please ensure your submission meets the eligibility requirements and is submitted before the deadline. Incomplete or ineligible submissions may not be considered.

 

Rights and permissions

By submitting your film, you confirm that you have the necessary rights and permissions for the work and any third-party material included within it.

Filmmakers retain ownership of their work. By submitting, you grant Aberdeen Animates permission to consider the film for festival programming. Any additional permissions required for promotional use or screening will be addressed with selected filmmakers.

 

Questions?

If you have any questions about submitting your animation, please contact us at aberdeenanimates@gmail.com.