First Look at the Official LIFF 2026 Artwork
We’re very excited to reveal the first look at the official artwork for the 40th edition of Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF), 29 October to 15 November 2026.
The artwork was commissioned following an open call for Leeds-based artists to celebrate both LIFF’s 40th anniversary and the milestone of Leeds receiving its first Royal Charter 400 years ago in 1626, a historic moment that marked the beginning of the city’s journey towards self-governance.
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The official LIFF 2026 Artwork by Laura Jayne Hodkin
The selected artist is Laura Jayne Hodkin, an animator and filmmaker whose films have screened around the world and who has developed and created original animated content with Adult Swim, Bento Box Entertainment and Netflix. Laura has also worked with clients including Apple, Bodyform, The New York Times, TED and Warner Music. Her work ‘lives somewhere between humour and vulnerability: awkward, hopeful, and a little bit unhinged’.
“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.” — Laura Jayne Hodkin.
Laura’s artwork features a vibrant cast of characters representing different aspects of the LIFF experience and the city of Leeds. The cast includes Leeds moving-image pioneer Louis Le Prince and his wife, influential artist Sarah Elizabeth Le Prince-Whitley, and an owl, the iconic symbol of Leeds. You will see the artwork used across LIFF 2026 promotion including on printed programme guides and posters, on screen before films, and on our website and social media.
We will announce the full LIFF 2026 programme in early October.