Laika's 'Wildwood' to Open AFI Film Fest

Laika's latest animated feature, "Wildwood," is scheduled to open the 40th edition of the AFI Fest, presented by Canva, on October 21. This event will also serve as the film's U.S. premiere. "Wildwood" is the newest full-length animated project from the Portland-based studio Laika, a company renowned for its stop-motion animation techniques and critically acclaimed films such as "Coraline," "ParaNorman," "The Boxtrolls," "Kubo and the Two Strings," and "Missing Link." The film is directed and produced by Travis Knight, who previously directed Laika's "Kubo and the Two Strings" and is the president and CEO of Laika. Knight also has a background as a principal animator and has performed voice work in several of Laika's productions. The narrative of "Wildwood" centers on a young girl named Prue, voiced by Peyton, who is drawn into a secret, magical forest. The story is based on the 2011 children's novel of the same name by Colin Meloy, the lead singer and guitarist of the band The Decemberists, and his wife, Carson Ellis, who is an illustrator. The novel "Wildwood" is the first in a trilogy, followed by "Underwild" (2012) and "Outwild" (2013). The film's screenplay was written by Chris Butler, who also wrote and directed Laika's "ParaNorman." The AFI Fest, a program of the American Film Institute, is a prestigious film festival that showcases a diverse range of cinematic works from around the globe. Its opening night film selection often highlights anticipated releases and critically acclaimed features. The festival typically runs for several days, presenting a curated lineup of narrative features, documentaries, and short films, alongside filmmaker panels and discussions. The inclusion of "Wildwood" as the opening night film underscores Laika's continued prominence in the animation industry and its ability to attract major festival attention for its visually distinctive and story-driven projects. The studio's commitment to handcrafted stop-motion animation has set it apart in a landscape often dominated by computer-generated imagery. The AFI Fest opening night is a significant platform for "Wildwood," offering it a high-profile debut to industry professionals, critics, and film enthusiasts. The film's premiere at the festival is expected to generate considerable buzz and anticipation for its wider theatrical release. The selection of "Wildwood" for this prominent slot suggests that the film aligns with the AFI Fest's mission to celebrate cinematic artistry and storytelling. The festival aims to provide a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers, and Laika's "Wildwood" represents a significant artistic endeavor from a well-respected animation studio.