Manipulate Festival: International Shorts
The International animated shorts programmes celebrate extraordinary animation from around the globe, showcasing a dizzying range of styles, techniques, genres and ideas.
About Manipulate Festival: International Shorts
Our three International animated shorts programmes – including From ‘La Fantasmagorie’ to the Future and Queer Stories – celebrate extraordinary animation from around the globe, showcasing a dizzying range of styles, techniques, genres and ideas. Each event is presented both live in Edinburgh and online for UK audiences.
14th February at 6pm - From ‘La Fantasmagorie’ to the Future [15]
Travel from the very first animated cartoon in 1908 through to some of the most innovative filmmakers working in the present day. This retrospective offers a whistle-stop tour through the rich history of French animation, and explores the ways in which this history continues to influence animators across the French-speaking world today.
15 February at 4pm - On the Edge [15]
From Nova Scotia to Norway, Greenland to Karelia, the short films highlight the fragility of communities and landscapes at the northern edge. Filmmakers explore their natural landscapes, community histories and futures through a wide range of animated techniques and styles.
15 February at 8pm - Queer Stories [18]
Highlighting LGBTQIA+ voices from around the globe in a celebration of queer animation talent, this international animated shorts programme has been co-curated by Manipulate Arts and Sanctuary Queer Arts.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Other Events at Institut francais d Ecosse or Manipulate Festival
The Gemstone Arias in Concert
Join us for the World Premiere performance of The Gemstone Arias composed by Jay Capperauld with text by Niall Campbell, performed by Rosie Lavery (soprano) and Anna Michels (piano).
READ MOREScreening of L’Atalante
L’Atalante was the only full-length film made by Jean Vigo before his tragic early death. The film is now considered to be one of cinema’s very greatest works.
READ MOREScreening: Souleymane’s Story by Boris Lojkine
Prize winning film Souleymane’s Story, depicts the harsh reality of delivery cyclist Souleymane who recently immigrated from Guinea. Catch it at Institut français d'Ecosse on 28th January!
READ MORE
Manipulate Festival: Coffee With Sugar?
Using thousands of coffee beans, flying candyfloss, biographical fragments, historical sources, video art and live music, ‘Coffee with Sugar?’ is a visually striking performance!
READ MORE
Manipulate Festival: Size Matters
Blending puppetry, science, and surrealist theatre, Julia and Mamoru and their puppet doubles explore how time and perception shift with size.
READ MORE
Manipulate Festival: Don Quixote (is a Very Big Book)
In his new one-man show, Dik Downey (Green Ginger, Pickled Image, Opposable Thumb) weaves together the crazed delusions of Don Quixote with his own struggle against reality.
READ MORE
Manipulate Festival: The Wood Paths
Wood Paths is a celebration of humanity’s endless creativity and our desire to understand, to shape, and to find beauty in the mess.
READ MORE
Screening of Mélodie en sous-sol
Mélodie is considered as one of the best thrillers and certainly among the most stylish movies of the early 1960s. Watch it at Institut français d'Ecosse on Wednesday 11th February.
READ MORE
Screening of ‘Three Friend’ by Emmanuel Mouret
Catch this French romcom by Emmanuel Mouret at the Institut français d'Ecosse on Wednesday 18th February!
READ MORE
Family Afternoon: Let’s play with colours
Looking for an afternoon of imagination and joy? Don’t miss our Family Afternoon at the Institut français d’Écosse on Thursday 19th February, suitable for ages 3 to 10!
READ MORE
Screening of Holy Cow (Vingt Dieux)
Holy Cow is an enchanting first film by Louise Courvoisier that was awarded the 2024 Youth Prize at Cannes’ Un Certain regard competition, as well as the Best First Feature film.
READ MORE
Concert with the Jen Ewan Band
Fresh from supporting the legendary Bill Bailey on tour, the Jennifer Ewan Band bring their stirring and richly layered mix of compelling original songs, Swamp Blues and old-time Cajun dance music!
READ MORE
Writing the French Caribbean: an Introduction
Broaden your horizons on a journey to the French Caribbean for Francophone Month at this talk by Professor Lorna Milne FRSE, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques!
READ MORE
SPIRITUEUSES – Women and Whisky
SPIRITUEUSES, a performance by the Âtre Collective, celebrates the often-overlooked role of women in the history of spirit production.
READ MORE
Screening of La Vie est belle
La vie est belle is a 1987 musical comedy directed by Mwezé Ngangura and Benoît Lamy, screening at the Institut français d'Ecosse on 11th March!
READ MORE
Screening of Monsieur Lazhar
An Algerian professor is hired at a Montreal public school to take the place of a professor who died tragically in her own classroom and helps his students overcome their grief.
READ MORE
Children Show: Paws Up!
This English adaptation of the famous children’s book by Catharina Valckx ‘PAWS UP!’ is a poetic, interactive and funny show, performed in French and English
READ MORE
RCS presents : Alexander Krylov in concert
For the Baroque Music Festival 2026, Alexander Krylov will present a solo programme of works including Bach, Scarlatti and Couperin.
READ MORE
Blessed Echoes by Ensemble Près de votre oreille
Since 2017, Près de votre oreille has developed an original artistic identity, recording several acclaimed albums and performing internationally.
READ MORE
Jeux de Dames: A portrait of Love - Concert by Ensemble Amarillis
The Institut Francais d’Ecosse proudly present Ensemble Amarillis, their first Scottish performance as part of the Baroque Music Festival 2026.
READ MORE
John Butt in Concert
Musical Director of the Dunedin Consort, John Butt invites us on a journey that begins in Italy and concludes in Germany as part of the Baroque Music Festival!
READ MORE
Italian Baroque: Monika d’Ermo Recital followed by Cenacolo Musicale
The Institut Francais d’Ecosse partners with the Italian Consulate in Edinburgh and the Italian Institute of Culture for an exceptional Night of Italian Baroque Music on Saturday 18th April.
READ MORE
Concert with Les Fils Canouche
After a successful tour in France, Les Fils Canouche are heading to Scotland with their new album “Les Pantophiles” and play the Institut français d'Écosse on 7th May!
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Screening of L’Atalante
L’Atalante was the only full-length film made by Jean Vigo before his tragic early death. The film is now considered to be one of cinema’s very greatest works.
READ MORE
Sing-a-Long-a Encanto
Gather la Familia! It’s time to celebrate something truly Magical! Don't miss Sing-a-Long-a Encanto at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 24th January!
READ MORE
Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman
Singalonga Productions, producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga Grease, bring the smash hit film musical The Greatest Showman to Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 24th January!
READ MORE
Screening: Souleymane’s Story by Boris Lojkine
Prize winning film Souleymane’s Story, depicts the harsh reality of delivery cyclist Souleymane who recently immigrated from Guinea. Catch it at Institut français d'Ecosse on 28th January!
READ MORE
RSNO 2025/26: How to Train Your Dragon in Concert
Featuring John Powell's Oscar-nominated score performed live to picture by the RSNO, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert is a thrilling experience for all ages!
READ MORE
National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step
Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play The Fifth Step.
READ MORE
1 World Comedy Film Festival | 2026
Welcome to the 1World Comedy Short Film Festival. Home to the funniest films from the funniest filmmakers from around the world! Coming to the Banshee Labyrinth on 31st January.
READ MORE
1 World Film Festival 2026
Welcome to the 1 World Film Festival which celebrates and showcases the most original, entertaining, exciting and finely structured films! Coming to the Banshee Labyrinth on 31st January.
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links