A celebration of animation, storytelling, and the creative journey behind Anfield Road

Birmingham’s animation community is in for a treat this February as award‑winning filmmaker, writer, and graphic novelist Chris Shepherd heads to the Overlap Animation Meetup on 11th February. Known for his bold blend of documentary realism, dark humour, and deeply human storytelling, Chris will be sharing insights from across his career — from his early shorts to his acclaimed graphic novel Anfield Road.

For animators, illustrators, students, and anyone who loves stories told with heart and grit, this is a rare chance to hear directly from one of the UK’s most distinctive creative voices. Chris will appear with Moth Animation — often known simply as Moth — is one of the UK’s most admired independent animation studios, and they’ve built a reputation that’s almost a genre of its own. Since you move in animation circles, you’ve probably felt their influence even if you haven’t always clocked the name.

Overlap has always been a space where creative people gather to share ideas, spark collaborations, and celebrate the craft. Chris’s visit will be no exception — and likely one of the standout sessions of the year. Book tickets for this unmissable event here.

Also on the Blog: Alison Little on Chris Shepherd at the Liverpool Literary Festival

Ahead of the Birmingham event, it’s well worth reading Alison Little’s thoughtful write‑up of Chris’s appearance at the Liverpool Literary Festival, where he discussed the making of Anfield Road and the emotional landscape behind it. Click here to check this out.

Alison captures the spirit of the book beautifully — its raw honesty, its humour, and its vivid sense of place. Her piece is a great primer for anyone coming to the Overlap event who wants to understand the personal history and creative drive behind Chris’s work.

Why This Matters

Chris’s work sits at the intersection of animation, documentary, and lived experience. Whether he’s drawing the streets of Anfield or directing a short film about everyday life, he brings a rare authenticity — the kind that resonates across generations and across mediums.

His appearance at Overlap is more than a talk. It’s a chance to connect with a creative tradition rooted in working‑class storytelling, British humour, and the power of art to make sense of the world.

Event Details

Overlap Animation Meetup – Birmingham – 11th February – 7PM – Tickets here.

Not in Birmingham? Here’s How to Get Anfield Road

If you can’t make it to the Overlap meetup but still want to dive into Chris Shepherd’s graphic novel Anfield Road, there are several easy ways to pick up a copy online. Discover the purchasing options here.