AFI Fest 2026 Unveils Lineup Featuring Venice Winner and Animation Directors

The American Film Institute (AFI) Fest has announced its full lineup for the 40th edition, set to take place in Hollywood from October 21 to 25. The festival, presented by Canva, will showcase a diverse range of films, including Lee Chang-dong's Venice Film Festival winner 'Possible Love' and several acclaimed animated features.

Among the highlighted films are 'Wildwood,' 'I Play Rocky,' and 'Behemoth.' The festival will feature five red-carpet premieres, 12 special screenings, and selections across various categories such as luminaries, discovery titles, world cinema, and documentaries. Additionally, Variety's 'Pixels and Pencils' panel will return to the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, featuring directors from prominent animated projects like 'Ray Gunn' and 'Forgotten Island,' underscoring the growing prominence of animation in the festival circuit.