Laika’s stop-motion animated feature “Wildwood” is selected as the opening-night film for the 40th edition of AFI Fest, presented by Canva. The festival is scheduled to run in October, with a screening set for Oct. 21.
The opening screening also marks the film’s U.S. premiere. Sources note that “Wildwood” premieres earlier, with a world premiere scheduled for Oct. 11 at the London Film Festival. Produced and directed by Travis Knight, “Wildwood” is the latest animated release from Portland-based Laika and follows a young girl named Prue.
While both outlets report the same festival role and premiere dates, they differ mainly in emphasis: one highlights the AFI Fest opening and the U.S. premiere framing, while the other additionally details the film’s international premiere timeline tied to London.
