For over 40 years, Aardman has entertained and charmed the world, creating much-loved characters and bringing unforgettable stories to life. From humble tabletop beginnings in the 1970s to one of the pre-eminent world leading studios today, Aardman has earned a unique place in the history of film and animation.

In this special event, the festival will host the UK Premiere of new 4K restorations of Aardman’s earliest films: the two films from Animated Conversations (1977) and the five films from Conversation Pieces (1983). Originally commissioned by the BBC and Channel 4, these films enabled Aardman founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton to develop the innovative technique of animating puppet characters to real-life conversations. With films like Early Bird (set in a local radio station), Aardman demonstrated that real people could be characterised with insight, humour and sensitivity.

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