Laika's latest animated epic, 'Wildwood,' has been announced as the grand finale for the upcoming Animation Is Film Festival, taking place from October 16 to 19 in Los Angeles. This highly anticipated film will captivate audiences at its closing night screening on October 19 at the prestigious Academy Museum's Geffen Theater. Following the cinematic journey, director Travis Knight, who also serves as Laika's president and CEO, will engage in a compelling conversation with acclaimed filmmaker Jason Reitman. The film, boasting a remarkable ensemble cast, is an adaptation of Colin Meloy's 2011 novel, brought to life through Laika's signature stop-motion artistry, representing 15 years of dedicated craftsmanship and imaginative storytelling.

The narrative of 'Wildwood' centers on Prue McKeel, a determined teenager voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee, who embarks on a perilous quest to rescue her younger brother after he is mysteriously abducted by a flock of crows. Her journey leads her deep into the Impassable Wilderness, a mystical forest concealed just beyond the familiar streets of Portland, Oregon. Accompanied by her classmate Curtis Mehlberg, voiced by Jacob Tremblay, Prue discovers a world teeming with extraordinary talking animals, cunning outlaws, and influential figures driven by profound sorrow and ambition. As the two young protagonists find themselves embroiled in a conflict that threatens to upset the delicate balance of the entire forest, Prue must navigate these treacherous waters to save her brother while confronting powerful forces that will ultimately shape the destiny of Wildwood.

The film boasts an impressive voice cast, featuring talents such as Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant. This stellar lineup promises to bring depth and nuance to the richly imagined characters within this animated universe. Directed and produced by Travis Knight, 'Wildwood' is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 23. Fathom Entertainment is managing the domestic distribution, while FilmNation Entertainment is overseeing international sales. The film's visual style pays homage to Carson Ellis's illustrations from the original novel, executed with Laika's renowned stop-motion techniques, making it their most ambitious undertaking to date.

Matt Kaszanek, director of Animation Is Film, expressed his enthusiasm for the selection, stating that the festival consistently strives to showcase animation as a dynamic art form that redefines cinematic storytelling. He believes 'Wildwood' perfectly embodies this mission, hailing it as a celebration for anyone who appreciates exceptional filmmaking. David Burke, Laika's Chief Marketing & Operations Officer, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared belief between Animation Is Film and Laika that animation is a complete cinematic medium capable of conveying stories with immense emotional and artistic scope. He emphasized that 'Wildwood' is the culmination of 15 years of imagination, intricate craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication from hundreds of artists, making the festival an ideal platform to commemorate its journey to the big screen.

The ninth installment of the Animation Is Film Festival will run from October 16-19, with its main program hosted at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood. This year's festival will also feature premieres of other notable animated works, including Louis Clichy's 'Iron Boy,' Leah Nelson's 'Tangles,' and 'Julián.' The inclusion of 'Wildwood' as the closing night feature underscores its significance within the contemporary animation landscape and offers a grand conclusion to a festival dedicated to celebrating the artistry and innovation of animated cinema.