Year: 2024

Filmmaker Masterclass: Transformers One

TRANSFORMERS ONE tells the origin stories of both Optimus Prime and Megatron, best friends turned iconic adversaries whose rift changed the fate of Cybertron forever. The new film – the first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie in the franchise’s history – is currently on-screen in theaters nationwide. But in this Animation Is Film exclusive Masterclass, learn Filmmaker Masterclass: Transformers One

An Almost Christmas Story

Q&A with Director David Lowery and Producer Alfonso Cuarón! Moon, a curious young owl, unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure as they journey back home to An Almost Christmas Story

Invincible Fight Girl

In the world of Invincible Fight Girl, everyone is a wrestler. Except for one island, which is strictly populated by accountants. This is the home of Andy, the child of two accountants, who was destined to become one herself. But after seeing the legendary Quesa Pablana take victory in a wrestling match, Andy realizes her Invincible Fight Girl

Redline (15th Anniversary Screening)

Ready? Set. Go! The 15th anniversary of Takeshi Koike’s Redline is off to the races with this special screening of the cult classic anime film. Every 5 years, Redline, an illegal, galactic, no holds barred racing tournament is held at a mystery location, revealed only moments before the starting whistle blows. This year the destination Redline (15th Anniversary Screening)

Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature

Hayao Miyazaki was born into a war-torn Japan, having survived several bombings that devastated the land he called home. The experience caused him to question the relationship that humans have to the earth, a rumination that would inspire his directing work in later years. Hayao went on to command a singular vision in his films. Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature

Shorts 3: Student Showcase

A showcase of films from the next generation of artists, courtesy of our Educational Partners – California Institute of the Arts (CalArts); University of Southern California (USC); California State University, Long Beach (CSULB); and California State University, Fullerton (CSUF).  (Titles to be announced soon.)

Shorts 1: Award Winning Short Films

Animation Is Film is proud to shine a spotlight on some of the year’s most extraordinary animated short films in three separate Short Film presentations. In Shorts #1, Award-Winning Short Films, a collection of Oscar-qualifying short films from around the world: BEAUTIFUL MEN (France-Belgium-The Netherlands / Nicolas Keppens) – Three bald brothers travel to Istanbul Shorts 1: Award Winning Short Films

Behind the Scenes: Moana 2

Presented by Directors David Derrick Jr. & Jason Hand. Be among the first to see new footage and hear exclusive commentary from the creators of Moana 2, Walt Disney Animation’s breathlessly anticipated sequel to its 2016 hit. In an Animation Is Film exclusive, alongside Moana and Maui, the film’s creators take us on journey across Behind the Scenes: Moana 2

Boys Go to Jupiter

Featuring in-person appearances by Jack Corbett, Chris Fleming, and Eva Victor! Boys Go to Jupiter starts with a boy in suburban Florida. Billy 5000, an ambitious teen, feels stuck in the slack between Christmas and New Years, surrounded by his eccentric friends and oddball clients. When he finds a gelatinous (and adorable) alien creature he Boys Go to Jupiter

Filmmaker Masterclass: Inside Out 2

Storytelling Masterclass with the Creative Minds Behind “Inside Out 2” Join us for an exclusive masterclass with Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, the writers behind Inside Out 2. Discover how they crafted the top-grossing animated film of all time, blending deep emotions with universal appeal. Whether you’re a writer, animation fan, or just love great storytelling, this is your chance to learn Filmmaker Masterclass: Inside Out 2

Work in Progress: Yoppaman

Special Agent Zack Fox will begin by welcoming AIF attendees as part of their first day of “agent trainee orientation” at an omnipotent shadowy mega corporation, introducing the world of YOPPAMAN – a society under siege by the forces of late-stage capitalism, unspeakable monsters, and growing unrest. The only chance for survival? Happy Grits – Work in Progress: Yoppaman

Mononoke The Movie: Phantom in the Rain

Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain is a 2024 Japanese animated supernatural psychological horror film directed by Kenji Nakamura based on the Mononoke anime television series, which in turn is a spin-off of Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales anthology series, both created by Toei Animation. Two young girls start their service at a harem and Mononoke The Movie: Phantom in the Rain

Sultana’s Dream

In her dazzling debut feature, artist, filmmaker, and professor Isabel Herguera draws inspiration from feminist-utopian science fiction story Sultana’s Dream, penned by Bengali writer Rokeya Hossain in 1905. Rokeya’s revered fable revolves around Ladyland—an abstract world where women rule and men are kept out of sight. When Inés, a young Spanish artist traveling in India, Sultana’s Dream

Memoir of a Snail

Q&A with Director Adam Elliot, moderated by Leonard Maltin! Celebrated Australian auteur Adam Elliot brings us his second ‘clayography’ feature, once again deftly blending his distinctive dark humor, expansive emotional worlds, and meticulous attention to detail. Clinching the Cristal Award for Best Feature Film at the 2024 Annecy Film Festival—making him the first director to Memoir of a Snail

Ghost Cat Anzu

Karin, 11, finds herself abandoned at the steps of her grandfather’s house. Her down-on-his-luck father introduces the two of them and then flees to settle some imposing debts. Karin’s grandfather, a small-town monk, tasks Anzu, his capricious ghost-cat, to look after her. While their own spirited personalities often clash, Anzu agrees to accompany Karin into Ghost Cat Anzu

Flow

Q&A with Director Gints Zilbalodis! In the aftermath of a cataclysmic flood, a courageous little cat finds refuge aboard a drifting ship, joining a ragtag gang of animal pals—a capybara, a lemur, a stork, and a golden retriever—each as vulnerable and displaced as the next. Together these diverse creatures have to overcome their differences, learning Flow

The Colors Within

Q&A with Director Naoko Yamada! Naoko Yamada, of A Silent Voice and Liz and the Blue Bird fame, returns to cinemas with her latest exploration of adolescence in The Colors Within. Totsuko is a cheery girl with a unique secret: she can see the ‘colors’ of others. This take on synesthesia paints Totsuko’s interactions in The Colors Within