The British Film Institute (BFI) has announced an exciting collaboration with the renowned film animation studio Laika to launch a special event series titled “Stop Motion: Celebrating Hand-Crafted Animation On The Big Screen.” This innovative initiative aims to bring the enchanting world of stop-motion animation to audiences, particularly children under 16, through free screenings.
The event series will feature Laika’s impressive lineup of five acclaimed films: “Coraline” (2009), “Paranorman” (2012), “The Boxtrolls” (2014), “Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016), and “Missing Link” (2019). Notably, all these films have received nominations for the Academy Award for Outstanding Animated Feature.
Curated by BFI Southbank Lead Programmer Justin Johnson, the season is scheduled to run from August 1st to October 9th. In addition to Laika’s films, the screenings will include other iconic titles such as “King Kong” (1933), “Jason and the Argonauts” (1963), “Chicken Run” (2001), and “Corpse Bride” (2005), among others.
Furthermore, BFI Southbank will host a complimentary exhibition titled “Laika: Frame x Frame.” Running from August 12th to October 1st, this exhibition will offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the art, science, and innovation behind Laika’s films. Attendees will have an exclusive glimpse into the studio’s production archives, featuring puppets, sets, and artifacts. Additionally, they will get a sneak peek at Laika’s upcoming sixth feature, “Wildwood” (2025).
The event promises to be even more special with the presence of esteemed filmmakers as special guests. Notable names include Henry Selick (“Coraline”), Chris Butler and Sam Fell (“Paranorman”), Guillermo del Toro (“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”), Peter Lord (“Chicken Run”), The Brothers Quay (“Street of Crocodiles”), Suzie Templeton (“Peter and the Wolf”), Barry Purves (“Achilles”), Osbert Parker (“Clothes”), and many others.
With an array of captivating films, a fascinating exhibition, and the opportunity to interact with acclaimed filmmakers, the BFI-Laika collaboration is set to offer an immersive and unforgettable experience for animation enthusiasts and film lovers alike.
