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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.

Manipulate Festival: International Shorts

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.


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Talk and book signing with Nina Six

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Come along to the Institut français d’Écosse on 11th November when Nina Six will be discussing her work and signing copies of her graphic novels.

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Meet the author Arnaud de La Grange

12th November 2025

Come along to the Institut français d'Écosse on Wednesday 12th November and meet author Arnaud de La Grange - journalist, UK and Ireland correspondent for Le Figaro, and a writer!

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Join Michael Nevin for this presentation at Institut français d'Ecosse as he discusses the end of the Auld Alliance, set up in 1295 for the mutual defence against their shared adversary, England.

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Screening of Hannah Arendt

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Screening of Paris Memories / Revoir Paris

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Talk and book signing with comics legend Bryan Talbot

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Vive la France • Opera Festival •

29th November 2025

Join Opera Caledonia for a day of concerts & events celebrating the vast variety of musical & dramatic styles of French opera, set in the stunning surroundings of the Institut français d’Écosse!

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Quiz de l’Institut français d’Ecosse

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Come and test your knowledge about France and French language in a fun and relaxed atmosphere at the Institut français d’Ecosse on Friday 5th December!

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Join us at the Institut français d'Écosse for a vibrant and heartfelt theatrical adaptation, directed by Stéphanie Goud and inspired by Victor Hugo’s timeless masterpiece “Les Misérables”!

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The Gemstone Arias in Concert

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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).

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Screening of L’Atalante

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Family Afternoon: Let’s play with colours

19th February 2026

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!

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Screening of Holy Cow (Vingt Dieux)

20th February 2026

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.

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Screening of Monsieur Lazhar

20th March 2026

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Children's Classic Concerts
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