Animation Is Film

AIF 2026 – October 16-19 | Los Angeles
Animation Is Film festival embraces the highest aspirations of animation as a cinematic art form.

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

Animation Is Film. October 16-19.
Our 2026 program has landed! ✨

AIF returns once again with major new films, bold independent work, filmmakers from around the world — and a few things you won’t see anywhere else.

🎟️ Tickets on sale now.
https://t.co/1UTCvqXcds

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

🏆 PLEASE receives the AIF ’26 Special Jury Prize for Shorts!

Anna Mantzaris’s wonderfully crafted felt-puppet film charmed the jury with its whimsy, humor, and tender take on our very human longing for connection. #AIF26

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

🏆 PAPER TRAIL takes the AIF ’26 Grand Jury Prize for Shorts!

Don Hertzfeldt’s singular approach to visual storytelling left the jury with a film they called “unique and profoundly moving.” #AIF26

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

🏆 THE AUDIENCE HAS SPOKEN! IRON BOY takes the AIF ’26 Audience Award. A huge thank you to everyone who came, watched, and voted — this one belongs to you, too. #AIF26

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

🏆 “Pure beauty from the medium we all love.”

IRON BOY takes the Fumi Kitahara Special Jury Prize at AIF ’26, with the jury celebrating Louis Clichy’s exquisite ink-brush visuals and deeply felt storytelling. #AIF26

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

🏆 TANGLES takes the AIF ’26 Grand Jury Prize!

The jury praised Leah Nelson’s beautiful, honest, and gentle telling of a family’s story, brought to life through fluid 2D animation and stark monochrome imagery. #AIF26

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

What a wonderful night with @LAIKAStudios and director Travis Knight. 🍃

Thank you for joining us to celebrate WILDWOOD and the incredible 15-year journey behind the film.

Our huge congratulations to LAIKA. We can’t wait for the world to experience WILDWOOD.

📸 John Salangsang

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

WILDWOOD lands at AIF! 🦅

We’re thrilled to partner with LAIKA to present its extraordinary new film tonight, with director Travis Knight joining us for a post-screening conversation about the artistry and craft behind this ambitious new work.

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

JOIN US IN THE ROOM 🎥

@THR’s Animation Roundtable comes live to #AIF26 for the first time! Hosted by Scott Roxborough with Bill Hader, Travis Knight, Louis Clichy, Joel Crawford, Leah Nelson, Phuong Mai Nguyen & Fawn Veerasunthorn. Sun Oct 18, 5pm. FREE! https://t.co/1YL1kf42rA

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

Meet the #AIF26 Jury! 🌟

Introducing our Feature and Shorts jurors — six remarkable voices from across animation, filmmaking and the creative community come together to celebrate the films pushing animation forward.
https://t.co/prKGGXTmf1

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

DAY 1 🎬 Welcome to #AIF26!

Four days of extraordinary animation start today in LA. From bold new visions to unexpected discoveries, there’s a whole world of animation waiting to be seen. Let’s get this show on the screen!

Sold-out screenings? Try the rush line!

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

Meet the next generation of animation talent. 🎓

Discover up-and-coming filmmakers at our STUDENT SHOWCASE, bringing fresh perspectives and new energy to the screen — from animation and art schools across the US and around the world. Oct 18 at #AIF26!
https://t.co/ElDTV0tjrD

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

ENCORE SCREENING ⚔️

The kingdom has spoken. KNIGHTS OF GUINEVERE returns for an additional AIF screening with creator Dana Terrace!

Don't miss your chance to see the first two episodes of the fantastical internet sensation on the big screen October 18.
https://t.co/4uhLtwW38N

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

We’re thrilled to host creator Matt Braly, art director Britney Thoreson, & character designer Ken Basca for a sneak AIF peek at CLARA AND THE BELOW! 💀

Join us Saturday, October 17 for this unmissable event — with a free poster for all attendees!
https://t.co/AsdVNQrCnm

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

Aang must pursue an ancient power that could save Air Nomad culture in AVATAR AANG: THE LAST AIRBENDER. 🌊🔥🌪️🪨

See it on the big screen, followed by a talk with Lauren Montgomery, Mike DiMartino, Latifa Ouaou, & Jeremy Zuckerman. October 17 at #AIF26.
https://t.co/UVClcXAsx7

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

A road movie on foot, O FILHO DA PUTA brings four Brazilian directors together for a wild, witty ride, with bold, woodcut-inspired imagery and a rhythm all its own.

See it October 16 at #AIF26.
https://t.co/bC70JwyS8R

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

An exclusive look at Disney Animation’s HEXED! 🪄

Join animation heads Michael Franchesi and Louis Jones for a behind-the-scenes peek at the art, characters, and animated scenes bringing their spellbinding new feature to life.

October 17 at #AIF26.
https://t.co/hlV91lIdKE

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

Two people, seen through multiple visual worlds. CHERRY AND VIRGIN moves between manga, rotoscoping, color, and black-and-white to reflect the shifting inner lives of Ryo and Ami — and the spaces between them.



See it October 18 at #AIF26.
https://t.co/HOTllKlbXX

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

A celebrated soloist holds a secret in THE VIOLINIST. 🎻

When a journalist starts asking questions, the trail leads to two gifted young musicians in 1930s Singapore, whose music — and one violin — connect them across decades. October 18 at #AIF26.
https://t.co/l4bTvP8bgI

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

Soaringly romantic, intensely dramatic, and the source of the most banging aria in operatic history 💃 VIVA CARMEN! brings energy and hope to Carmen’s enduring tale of fate, love, and loss.



See it October 18 at #AIF26.
https://t.co/WgpqZbfwVr

[Animation Is Film @AnimationIsFilm]

Celebrate 25 years of Cartoon Saloon. 🍀🐺

Join founders Tomm Moore, Paul Young, and Nora Twomey for WOLFWALKERS, the Oscar-nominated studio’s mythic Irish folklore finale — on the big screen, with the people who made it. October 17 at #AIF26.

https://t.co/ciONhFOuns