Animation Is Film Festival Announces 2026 Lineup

The Animation Is Film festival has announced the lineup for its ninth edition, scheduled to take place from October 16 to October 19, 2026. The festival's main programming will be held at the TCL Chinese 6 Theaters in Hollywood, California. This year marks the first time the festival will feature a dedicated shorts competition, a significant expansion of its offerings. The festival aims to showcase a diverse range of animated films from around the globe, catering to both industry professionals and general audiences. Animation Is Film is known for presenting a curated selection of features and shorts that highlight artistic innovation and storytelling excellence in animation. The festival serves as a platform for emerging and established animators to connect with audiences and distributors, fostering the growth of the independent animation sector. The inclusion of a shorts competition is expected to draw a wider array of talent and provide greater visibility for short-form animated works. This initiative aligns with the festival's broader mission to celebrate the art of animation in all its forms. The selection process for the festival is highly competitive, with films chosen based on artistic merit, originality, and technical achievement. The festival's programming committee reviews hundreds of submissions annually to curate the final lineup. Past editions have featured critically acclaimed films that have gone on to achieve international success and awards. The 2026 edition is anticipated to continue this tradition, presenting films that push the boundaries of animation. Among the featured titles for the 2026 festival are "Iron Boy," directed by Louis Clichy; "Tangles," by Leah Nelson; and "The Violinist," a collaboration between Ervin Han and Raúl García. These selections represent a diverse range of styles and narratives, underscoring the breadth of contemporary animation. The festival's commitment to showcasing international animation is evident in the global origins of the selected films, reflecting the worldwide appeal and artistic diversity of the medium. Animation Is Film has established itself as a crucial event in the animation calendar, providing a vital space for artistic expression and industry engagement. The festival's growth, particularly with the addition of the shorts competition, signals its increasing importance and influence within the animation community. Attendees can expect a program that celebrates the craft of animation, from feature-length narratives to innovative short films, all presented in a premier Hollywood venue.