Laika’s “Wildwood” is set to open the 40th edition of AFI Fest, presented by Canva, on Oct. 21.
It also marks the U.S premiere of the film. “Wildwood” is the latest animated feature from the Portland-based studio Laika, and it’s directed and produced by Travis Knight.
The film follows a young girl named Prue (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), who launches a desperate rescue mission and is joined by her classmate Curtis (Jacob Tremblay) to save her baby brother from a murder of crows. It’s a quest that takes her into a forbidden forest outside Portland, Oregon, that’s filled with enchanted creatures at every turn, from talking animals to bandits to other powerful figures.
The voice cast also features Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits and Richard E. Grant.
“AFI is honored to celebrate ‘Wildwood’ as the Opening Night Film of the 40th Annual AFI Fest,” says Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “At a time when the world needs artistic inspiration more than ever, ‘Wildwood’ comes to the rescue by inviting audiences to a handcrafted, endlessly imaginative world that both dazzles and delights.”
