For the first time in its nine-year run, Animation Is Film opens with an animated series. Dana Terrace’s Knights of Guinevere gets a theatrical premiere October 16 in Los Angeles, kicking off four days of festival screenings that blend studio tentpoles with indie discoveries.

The lineup speaks to where animation is right now. Louis Clichy’s Iron Boy arrives fresh off wins at Cannes and Annecy. Leah Nelson’s Tangles, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Abbi Jacobson, brings Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir to life. Cartoon Saloon returns with Julián, adapting the beloved picture book.

Nine features compete for the festival’s jury prize, including Masanao Kawajiri’s debut Cherry and Virgin, Shingo Natsume’s Ghost, End of Night, and Brazilian road-trip odyssey O Filho da Puta (Son of a Bitch). All nine directors will be in attendance.

Behind-the-scenes presentations include Matt Braly’s independently funded Clara and the Below and a first look at Disney’s upcoming Hexed. Cartoon Saloon founders sit for a conversation celebrating 25 years of the studio, paired with a screening of Wolfwalkers.

Five short film programs span festival favorites, emerging voices, and student work from CalArts, SVA, Gobelins, and more.

Tickets are available now at AnimationIsFilm.com. The festival runs October 16–19 at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood.