Introduction

The Los Angeles Animation Is Film Festival kicks off its ninth edition this October, bringing a curated selection of animated features, shorts, and series to Hollywood during awards season. Running October 16-19 at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, the event has become a notable platform for innovative animation and industry networking.

What Happened

Animation Is Film 2026 opens with the world-first theatrical premiere of the first two episodes of Dana Terrace's Knights of Guinevere, marking the festival's debut of an animated series alongside its competition slate. The nine competing films include Louis Clichy's Iron Boy, Leah Nelson's Tangles, and Julián from Ireland's Cartoon Saloon, alongside queer Cannes and Annecy favorites, Brazilian hand-drawn work, and Annecy Cristal winner The Violinist. Beyond competition, the program features studio presentations, retrospective screenings, and filmmaker talks, including a 25-year conversation with Cartoon Saloon, a behind-the-scenes look at Disney's upcoming Hexed, and a rare theatrical screening of Paramount's Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender.

Why This Matters

For animators, fans, and industry professionals, the festival serves as both a barometer and a springboard for the year's most talked-about animated works. Many of the competing titles are already in the Oscar conversation, and the event's reputation for uncovering fresh voices makes it a must-watch for anyone tracking the medium's current direction. The inclusion of a full series premiere alongside feature competition signals the festival's evolution, while retrospectives and works-in-progress sessions offer rare insight into animation's creative pipeline.

Key Takeaways

  • Nine competition films feature Iron Boy, Tangles, Julián, Ghost - End of Night, O Filho Da Puta, The Violinist, Viva Carmen!, and Cherry and Virgin.
  • The festival opens with the theatrical debut of Dana Terrace's Knights of Guinevere, the first animated series presented at the event.
  • Special sessions cover 25 years of Cartoon Saloon, Disney's Hexed, and a rare screening of Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender.
  • Phil Lord and Chris Miller will deliver a keynote conversation as part of IndieWire's Future of Filmmaking Summit.
  • All events take place at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, with the festival running October 16-19, 2026.

Conclusion

Whether you're an animation professional, a dedicated fan, or simply curious about what's shaping the future of the medium, Animation Is Film 2026 offers a concentrated look at the stories and talents driving the industry forward. With a mix of award-season contenders, series premieres, and historic retrospectives, the festival promises four days of screenings, conversations, and celebration at the heart of Hollywood.