Animation Fest Hits Hollywood Oct. 16-19

The ninth annual Animation Is Film festival returns to Hollywood, running from October 16th to 19th. The main program will be hosted at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, presenting a curated selection of animated features and shorts.

This year's festival boasts a compelling mix of independent darlings and major studio productions. Audiences can look forward to independent films such as "Iron Boy" and "Tangles," alongside anticipated mainstream offerings like a preview of Walt Disney Animation's "Hexed" and a theatrical screening of Paramount's "Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender."

A significant draw will be the world premiere of the first two episodes of Dana Terrace's new series, "Knights of Guinevere," from Glitch Studios. Additionally, Matt Braly will present his independently financed animated project "Clara and the Below."

Animation Is Film is recognized as a key indicator for animated awards season contenders. The festival also includes studio presentations, a conversation with Cartoon Saloon founders celebrating their 25th anniversary, a robust shorts program, and a retrospective screening of "Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust."

Industry panels, such as "Inside Animation" in partnership with UTA, will delve into current trends, new voices, representation, and the future of the animation business. The event is supported by major industry players including ASIFA-Hollywood, Crunchyroll, DreamWorks Animation, Netflix, Pixar, and Walt Disney Animation Studios.