Laika to Share Exciting First Look at ‘Wildwood’ at Annecy Exhibition Celebrating New Animation Complex
The Annecy International Film Festival has partnered with Laika, a renowned stop-motion animation studio, to present an exhibition titled “Wildwood: A First Glimpse into a Handmade World.” This event marks the inauguration of the new Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation, set to run from June 21 to September 27.
The exhibition offers a deep dive into Laika’s upcoming feature film, Wildwood, which promises to be a darkly magical adventure. The story follows a young girl on a perilous journey into a hidden forest to rescue her brother. Laika President and CEO Travis Knight, who directs the film, will make his first appearance in Annecy for the occasion.
This immersive exhibition aims to educate and engage visitors, coinciding with Laika’s global rollout of materials for Wildwood, scheduled for release in the U.S. on October 23, 2026.
Knight, known for his work on the BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated Kubo and the Two Strings, described Wildwood as “the biggest world Laika has ever built, and the most personal.” He emphasized the film’s themes of bravery and discovery, stating, “Our movie is a celebration of artistry over algorithms and of the belief that films made by hand, with enormous care, can still feel bold, surprising, dangerous and alive.”
The exhibition will feature a miniature set inspired by Portland, Oregon’s historic Pittock Mansion, which took over 11 weeks to create, involving 45 to 50 artists. Additionally, the surrounding forest includes individually crafted trees representing the Pacific Northwest.
Another highlight of the exhibition is “The General,” one of Laika’s largest puppets, standing 34 inches tall with an impressive 64-inch wingspan. Inspired by a local golden eagle, this puppet showcases fully articulated wings and is adorned with 3,794 individually placed feathers from a total of over 16,500 used during production.
The announcement of this exhibition coincided with a special presentation in Paris by CITIA, the organization overseeing the Annecy festival, alongside the National Cinema Centre (CNC), a key partner.
The opening of the Cité internationale will also feature the previously announced exhibition “Ankama: From Sketch to Saga, 25 Years of Creativity,” highlighting the French entertainment group’s diverse creations that span animation, gaming, and comic books.
Located in the historic Haras d’Annecy, a former royal stud farm, the new center aims to enhance the city’s long-standing ties to the animation industry, cultivated over the 65 years of the Annecy International Film Festival.
The facility will include an animation museum, spaces for temporary exhibitions, a 332-seat cinema, workshops for cultural and artistic education, and an artist residency. Central to the project is the “Grenier à images,” a venue designed primarily for schoolchildren, focusing on animation history and hands-on techniques. Year-round, workshops will introduce visitors of all ages to the art of animation.
Dominique Puthod, Chairman of CITIA, remarked, “The Cité will be a place for today but above all for tomorrow. A place for young people. A place where animation, the product of artists’ imaginations, becomes a living heritage that everyone can enjoy.” He emphasized the importance of providing a dedicated space for animation, stating, “We have a duty to provide this culture with a home where it can be shared, explained and celebrated.”
