Laika’s 'Wildwood' to Close Animation Is Film Festival

The animation community is buzzing with excitement as Laika's highly anticipated epic project, 'Wildwood', secures its prestigious spot as the closing night film for the Animation Is Film Festival in Los Angeles. This major cinematic event is scheduled to run from October 16 through October 19, bringing together top-tier animated features, creators, and enthusiasts from around the globe to celebrate the art of storytelling through animation.

The spotlight will shine brightly on 'Wildwood' during the festival's final evening on October 19. The screening is set to take place at the prominent Academy Museum’s Geffen Theater, providing a fittingly grand backdrop for what is expected to be a visual masterpiece. Laika has long been celebrated for its meticulous stop-motion craftsmanship and deeply engaging narratives, and 'Wildwood' promises to continue this rich legacy.

Adding to the excitement of the evening, the screening will be followed by a special, exclusive conversation. Travis Knight, who serves as the director of 'Wildwood' as well as the president and chief executive officer of Laika, will take the stage. He will be joined by acclaimed filmmaker Jason Reitman for a dialogue that is expected to offer rare insights into the creative process, the challenges of stop-motion animation, and the artistic vision behind the film.

The Animation Is Film Festival has steadily grown into a premier platform for animated cinema in North America, highlighting diverse voices and groundbreaking techniques from both independent creators and major studios. By closing the festival, 'Wildwood' joins a lineage of celebrated films that push the boundaries of what animation can achieve artistically and emotionally.

Fans and industry professionals alike have been eagerly awaiting updates on 'Wildwood', given Laika's stellar track record with films like 'Coraline', 'Kubo and the Two Strings', and 'Missing Link'. The studio's commitment to tangible, hand-crafted animation styles continues to carve out a unique space in a modern industry heavily dominated by computer-generated imagery. This closing night showcase serves as a major milestone ahead of the film's broader release plans.

Ultimately, the pairing of 'Wildwood' with a discussion featuring Travis Knight and Jason Reitman underscores the festival's dedication to fostering meaningful artistic exchanges. Attendees on October 19 will not only witness the culmination of years of arduous animation work but will also gain a deeper appreciation of the cinematic craft through the lenses of two distinct and accomplished directors.