'Like an audience full of personality': Artwork for Leeds International Film Festival revealed ahead of launch

Celebrating 40 years of the festival alongside the 400th anniversary of Leeds receiving its first Royal Charter in 1626, Leeds International Film Festival has revealed its winning design ahead of next month’s programme launch.

Taking place this year in venues across the city, including Hyde Park Picture House, the winning design was created by Leeds-based animator Laura Jayne Hodkin, whose original animated works have screened globally.

Those who stayed up late at night to watch Adult Swim (on Cartoon Network) may have seen her content, while Bento Box, Netflix, Apple, The New York Times, TED and Warner Music are other clients that Hodkin has previously worked for/with.

Describing her creative style as living “somewhere between humour and vulnerability: awkward, hopeful, and a little bit unhinged,” Hodkin’s LIFF design was created as a vibrant, character-filled celebration of local audiences.

Reflecting on her winning concept to Leeds International Film Festival, Laura said: "I love creating characters and the funny worlds they live in, so imagining the artwork for LIFF’s 40th edition as an audience full of personality, almost like a party, immediately came to mind.

"The festival brings together such an exciting mix of stories and people, and I wanted the illustration to capture that energy and diversity. I also wanted it to feel like the audience could recognise themselves in the crowd, creating a celebratory image that invites people in."

The finished piece features a crowd representing different facets of Leeds and the LIFF experience.

Hidden within the scene are Leeds moving-image pioneer Louis Le Prince alongside his wife, influential artist Sarah Elizabeth Le Prince-Whitley, as well as an owl - the iconic symbol of the city.

The artwork will feature prominently across the festival's campaign, appearing on the cover of the printed program guide, outdoor posters, cinema screens, and social media.

Festival organisers will announce the full LIFF 2026 film lineup in early October ahead of the October 29 opening.