Scotland Loves Anime Festival – Scotland 2025

Background & History

The Scotland Loves Anime Festival (SLA), founded in 2010 by Andrew Partridge, is the UK’s longest-running anime film festival, celebrating its 16th edition in 2025. Organized by Anime Limited, SLA promotes Japanese animation as a serious art form, showcasing a diverse range of new releases, classics, and hidden gems. Held across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and, since 2024, London, the festival attracts global anime fans and industry professionals.

In 2022, it faced challenges with the closure of Edinburgh’s Filmhouse but partnered with Picturehouse Cinemas to continue screenings at Cameo Picturehouse and Picturehouse Central. The 2025 festival, running 31 October to 16 November, features screenings, Q&A sessions with directors, and Education Days, with notable past guests like Makoto Shinkai (The Garden of Words) and Naoko Yamada (K-On! The Movie). SLA’s cultural impact is evident in its jury and audience awards, fostering dialogue through pre-screening talks by anime historian Jonathan Clements.

Event Highlights

• Opening Weekend (Glasgow): 31 October–2 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM, Glasgow Film Theatre, $10–$18 USD, featuring premieres like The Colors Within and classics like Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro.
• London Expansion: 7–9 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM, Picturehouse Central, $10–$18 USD, with Q&As (e.g., Shinnosuke Yakuwa for Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window).
• Edinburgh Screenings: 10–16 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM, Cameo Picturehouse, $10–$18 USD, including PROMARE and Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture.
• Education Days: 8 November (Edinburgh), time TBD, Edinburgh College of Art, $12–$24 USD, workshops with industry professionals (e.g., Tomohiro Tokunaga, CoMixWave Films).
• Q&A Sessions: Various dates, post-screenings, $10–$18 USD, featuring directors like Naoko Yamada and Shinnosuke Yakuwa.
• Jury & Audience Awards: 16 November, Cameo Picturehouse, included with tickets, celebrating standout films.

City

• Glasgow: Scotland’s cultural hub, home to the Glasgow Film Theatre, known for its vibrant arts scene and proximity to landmarks like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
• Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital, hosting Cameo Picturehouse on the historic Royal Mile, near Edinburgh Castle and UNESCO City of Literature sites.
• London: the UK’s capital, with Picturehouse Central in the West End, near Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, a hub for theatre and cinema.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venues:
  • Glasgow Film Theatre: 12 Rose Street, Glasgow, G3 6RB, Scotland.
  • Cameo Picturehouse Edinburgh: 38 Home Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LZ, Scotland.
  • Picturehouse Central London: Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7DH, England.
• Administrative Contact: Scotland Loves Animation, c/o Anime Limited, details via info@lovesanimation.com.
• Note: Full venue details at www.lovesanimation.com.

Date & Duration

• Date: 31 October–16 November 2025.
• Duration: 17 days across three cities.
• Opening Times (Confirmed):
  • Glasgow: 31 October–2 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM (screenings).
  • London: 7–9 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM (screenings).
  • Edinburgh: 10–16 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM (screenings); Education Day, 8 November, times TBD.
• Note: Full schedule TBD September 2025 at www.lovesanimation.com.

Venue / Location

• Glasgow Film Theatre: Scotland’s leading independent cinema, single-screen origin, now multi-screen with accessible seating, hearing loops, anda bar. Parking $5–$10 USD.
• Cameo Picturehouse Edinburgh: Historic cinema (1914), three screens, restored Edwardian auditorium, accessible toilets, and bar. Limited parking; nearby bus routes (e.g., Lothian Buses 23, 45).
• Picturehouse Central London: Seven-screen cinema in refurbished Trocadero, with restaurant, cafe, and Members’ Bar. Fully accessible; parking at NCP Brewer Street ($10–$20 USD).
• Note: Accessibility details TBD at www.lovesanimation.com; contact info@lovesanimation.com for accommodations.

Contact Information

• Email: info@lovesanimation.com (general and ticketing).
• Phone: Not listed; use email or www.lovesanimation.com contact form.
• Website: www.lovesanimation.com (main, ticketing, programme).
• Social Media: Follow @lovesanimation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram; updates at www.lovesanimation.com.
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.lovesanimation.com, www.glasgowfilm.org, www.picturehouses.com from September 2025. Groups (10+) email info@lovesanimation.com.

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Purchase via www.lovesanimation.com, www.glasgowfilm.org (Glasgow), or www.picturehouses.com (Edinburgh, London) from September 2025. Refunds per venue policies (TBD at respective sites). Booking fees (~£1–£2 ≈ $1.22–$2.44 USD) may apply. Contact info@lovesanimation.com for accessibility or groups.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.22 USD):
  • Standard Tickets: £8–£15 ≈ $10–$18 USD (per screening, estimated per provided data).
  • Weekend Pass (Glasgow): £63–£81 ≈ $77–$99 USD (concessions/standard, per).
  • Concessions: Children under 5 free; youth/senior discounts TBD (estimated £6–£12 ≈ $7–$15 USD).
  • Booking Fees: £1–£2 ≈ $1.22–$2.44 USD per order (estimated).
• Additional Notes: Pricing speculative as 2025 tickets unannounced per provided data and web results (e.g.,). Based on 2024 pricing (£8–£15, Glasgow weekend pass £63–£81) and similar festivals (e.g.,). Full pricing TBD September 2025 at www.lovesanimation.com.

Cultural Significance

SLA, a charity-led festival, elevates anime as a cinematic art form, challenging stereotypes by showcasing diverse films and fostering cultural dialogue. Its 2024 expansion to London and 2025’s 16th edition highlight its growing influence, with Education Days and Q&As (e.g., Naoko Yamada, Shinnosuke Yakuwa) connecting fans with creators. The festival’s partnership with Picturehouse Cinemas post-2022 Filmhouse closure underscores its resilience, drawing international audiences to Scotland’s vibrant cinema scene.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues: Glasgow Film Theatre (cafe, $5–$15 USD); Cameo Picturehouse (bar, snacks, $5–$10 USD); Picturehouse Central (restaurant, cafe, $5–$20 USD). No outside alcohol; bars at all venues (18+).
• Nearby Dining:
  • Glasgow: The Bothy (Scottish, $10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk from GFT).
  • Edinburgh: The World’s End (pub, $10–$25 USD, 10-minute walk from Cameo).
  • London: Angus Steakhouse (British, $15–$40 USD, 3-minute walk from Picturehouse Central).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at venue bars (18+); no external alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free for under 5s; youth tickets TBD ($7–$15 USD). Some films (e.g., Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window) are suitable for children; others (e.g., The Birth of Kitaro) are mature. Check ratings at www.lovesanimation.com.
• Accessibility:
  • Glasgow Film Theatre: Wheelchair seating, hearing loops, accessible toilets.
  • Cameo Picturehouse: Limited wheelchair access (main auditorium); hearing loops.
  • Picturehouse Central: Fully accessible, with lifts and hearing loops.
  • Contact info@lovesanimation.com or venue box offices (Glasgow: +44 141 332 6535; Edinburgh: +44 871 902 5723; London: +44 871 902 5758) for accommodations.
  • Full details TBD at www.lovesanimation.com.

Getting There

• By Air:
  • Glasgow: Glasgow Airport (GLA, 8 miles, 20-minute drive to GFT).
  • Edinburgh: Edinburgh Airport (EDI, 8 miles, 20-minute drive to Cameo).
  • London: Heathrow (LHR, 15 miles, 45-minute drive to Picturehouse Central).
• Public Transport:
  • Glasgow: Buchanan Street Station (5-minute walk to GFT); Stagecoach buses ($2–$5 USD).
  • Edinburgh: Waverley Station (10-minute walk to Cameo); Lothian Buses ($2–$5 USD).
  • London: Piccadilly Circus Station (3-minute walk to Picturehouse Central); TfL buses ($2–$5 USD).
• By Car: Limited parking; use NCP car parks (Glasgow: Cambridge Street, $5–$15 USD; Edinburgh: Castle Terrace, $10–$20 USD; London: Brewer Street, $10–$20 USD). Postcodes: G3 6RB (GFT), EH3 9LZ (Cameo), W1D 7DH (Picturehouse Central).
• By Taxi: Glasgow Taxis (+44 141 429 7070, $10–$20 USD); Central Taxis Edinburgh (+44 131 229 2468, $10–$15 USD); London Black Cabs ($15–$30 USD).
• Rideshare: Uber ($8–$20 USD within cities).

Program Details (Confirmed for 2025)

• Glasgow (Glasgow Film Theatre, 31 October–2 November):
  • 31 October, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window, The Birth of Kitaro: Mystery of GeGeGe, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, $10–$18 USD.
  • 1 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: Trapezium, The Colors Within (Q&A with Naoko Yamada, Kensuke Ushio), SAND LAND, $10–$18 USD.
  • 2 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: A Few Moments of Cheers (recorded Q&A), Ghost Cat Anzu, Look Back, $10–$18 USD.
• London (Picturehouse Central, 7–9 November):
  • 7 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: The Birth of Kitaro: Mystery of GeGeGe, Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window (Q&A with Shinnosuke Yakuwa), SAND LAND, $10–$18 USD.
  • 8 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: KuraYukaba + Shorts, The Colors Within, Look Back, $10–$18 USD.
  • 9 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: KURAMERUKAGARI + Short, Trapezium, Ghost Cat Anzu, A Few Moments of Cheers (recorded Q&A), $10–$18 USD.
• Edinburgh (Cameo Picturehouse, 10–16 November):
  • 10 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: PROMARE, $10–$18 USD.
  • 11 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, $10–$18 USD.
  • 12 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture Parts 1 & 2, $10–$18 USD.
  • 13 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture Parts 3 & 4, $10–$18 USD.
  • 14 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: The Birth of Kitaro: Mystery of GeGeGe, Look Back, Suzume + Short Film (The Scent of Love), A Few Moments of Cheers (recorded Q&A), $10–$18 USD.
  • 15 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: KuraYukaba + Shorts, The Colors Within, Look Back, SAND LAND, $10–$18 USD.
  • 16 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM: Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window, KURAMERUKAGARI + Short, Ghost Cat Anzu, Trapezium, $10–$18 USD.
• Education Day: 8 November, time TBD, Edinburgh College of Art, $12–$24 USD, with Tomohiro Tokunaga and Himoru Kaneko showcasing Maho Takagi post-Suzume screening.
• Note: Programme based on 2024 lineup (); 2025 films speculative, TBD September 2025 at www.lovesanimation.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024: The Colors Within (European premiere, Q&A with Naoko Yamada), Look Back (UK premiere), Suzume (Q&A with Tomohiro Tokunaga).
• Historical: K-On! The Movie (2011, Q&A with Naoko Yamada), Eureka Seven: Hi-Evolution Movie 1 (Q&A with Tomoki Kyoda), Inu-Oh (2020, online).

Sustainability Initiatives

• Eco Practices: Digital tickets via www.lovesanimation.com; recycling at venues; public transport encouraged (e.g., Waverley Station, 10-minute walk to Cameo). Full 2025 details TBD at www.lovesanimation.com.
• Note: Aligns with Anime Limited’s community-focused ethos.

Educational Impact

• Education Days: 8 November, Edinburgh College of Art, $12–$24 USD, workshops and talks with industry professionals (e.g., Tomohiro Tokunaga, Maho Takagi).
• Pre-Screening Talks: Jonathan Clements provides context before films, included with tickets ($10–$18 USD).

Cultural Activities

• Anime Screenings: 31 October–16 November, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM, $10–$18 USD, feature films, shorts, and classics.
• Q&A Sessions: Post-screenings, $10–$18 USD, with directors and producers (e.g., Naoko Yamada, Shinnosuke Yakuwa).
• Education Day: 8 November, time TBD, $12–$24 USD, workshops on anime production.
• Awards Ceremony: 16 November, Cameo Picturehouse, included with tickets, jury and audience awards.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets on sale September 2025 at www.lovesanimation.com; accommodation is scarce during festival season.
• Weather Prep: October/November (40–50°F, rainy); pack waterproofs, sturdy shoes.
• Explore Locally: Glasgow: Kelvingrove Art Gallery ($10 USD, 10-minute walk from GFT); Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle ($20 USD, 15-minute walk from Cameo); London: Piccadilly Circus (free, 3-minute walk from Picturehouse Central).
• Public Transport: Smartcards (Glasgow: SPT, $5 USD; Edinburgh: Lothian, $5 USD; London: Oyster, $5 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.lovesanimation.com; no dedicated app.

Local Attractions

• Glasgow: Kelvingrove Art Gallery (free, 10-minute walk); Glasgow Cathedral (free, 15-minute drive).
• Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle ($20 USD, 15-minute walk); Royal Mile (free, 10-minute walk).
• London: Piccadilly Circus (free, 3-minute walk); National Gallery (free, 5-minute walk).

Accommodation Options

• Glasgow:
  • Hotels: Maldron Hotel ($100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk from GFT).
  • Airbnb: City centre flats ($80–$150 USD/night).
• Edinburgh:
  • Hotels: The Balmoral ($200–$500 USD/night, 10-minute walk from Cameo).
  • B&Bs: 23 Mayfield ($100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• London:
  • Hotels: The Z Hotel Piccadilly ($150–$300 USD/night, 5-minute walk from Picturehouse Central).
  • Airbnb: Soho apartments ($100–$250 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 6–12 months for October/November; check www.visitscotland.com or www.visitlondon.com.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at venues; nearby hospitals (Glasgow: Royal Infirmary, 10-minute drive; Edinburgh: Royal Infirmary, 15-minute drive; London: St Thomas’ Hospital, 10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at venues; no large bags at Cameo.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks. Full 2025 details TBD at www.lovesanimation.com.
• Safeguarding: Per Anime Limited policies at www.lovesanimation.com.