Animation Is Film Festival Will Return to Hollywood
The 9th annual festival is scheduled to host screenings and industry events from October 16 to 19, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Animation
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The 9th edition of the Animation Is Film festival will take place in Los Angeles from October 16-19, 2026. Held at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood, the program will feature an extensive lineup of screenings, industry presentations, and filmmaker discussions.
Why it matters
The festival provides a major platform for independent and international animation, offering creators and studios a venue to showcase works-in-progress and debut new content. It serves as a vital bridge between global animation houses and the Hollywood film community.
The festival marks its 9th edition in 2026 with a program spanning four days of industry presentations and competition screenings. The event highlights include a retrospective on Cartoon Saloon, which celebrates 25 years of studio history.
The players
GKIDS
This American film distributor specializes in the acquisition and theatrical distribution of animated features, often focusing on international cinema.
Cartoon Saloon
This Irish animation studio is renowned for producing hand-drawn, folklore-inspired feature films and television series.
Matt Braly
He is an American animator, director, and writer known for his work in television animation and feature film development.
Annecy International Animation Film Festival
Based in France, this is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals dedicated to animation in the world.
Walt Disney Animation
This studio is a primary division of the Walt Disney Company known for pioneering techniques in traditional and computer-generated animation.
The details
The festival program features theatrical premieres, including two episodes of Knights of Guinevere and feature film screenings like Iron Boy, Tangles, and Julián. Additionally, the event will host a work-in-progress presentation of Clara and the Below by director Matt Braly and a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Walt Disney Animation project Hexed.
Timeline
October 16-19, 2026: The Animation Is Film festival event dates.
2026: The year The Violinist won the Annecy Cristal.
2023: The year Chicken for Linda! won the festival's Grand Jury Prize.
2000: The release year of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.
Industry Dynamics
The festival maintains a collaborative partnership with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival to elevate global animated works. This coordination helps create a unified calendar for the industry, bridging the gap between European critical acclaim and North American distribution.
Attendees can purchase tickets directly for all screenings and industry presentations through the official website. The event at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres allows local fans and industry professionals to view exclusive work-in-progress presentations and feature premieres.
The takeaway
The Animation Is Film festival remains a key destination for fans looking to see high-caliber, hand-drawn, and experimental animation before wider commercial release. Its presence in Hollywood offers unique opportunities to hear directly from veteran studios and emerging directors.
Further reading
Explore more industry news in the Animation section.
More information
For full program details and to purchase passes, visit the Animation Is Film festival ticket portal.
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