‘Tangles’ Wins Grand Jury Prize at Animation Is Film Festival

At the 9th annual Animation Is Film Festival, Leah Nelson’s animated feature “Tangles” emerged as the recipient of the Grand Jury Prize, cementing its status as a standout work in contemporary animation. The film, rendered in fluid 2-D animation with a striking monochrome palette, explores the emotional landscape of a family grappling with the mother’s decline due to dementia.

“Tangles” is an adaptation of Sarah Leavitt’s graphic novel and is notable for its faithful translation of the source material’s delicate balance of beauty and honesty. The narrative is enhanced by a voice cast carefully selected to embody the nuances of the characters, bringing authenticity to the harrowing yet tender subject matter. The story also offers a nostalgic look back to 1990s San Francisco, which serves as a poignant backdrop for the family’s journey.

The festival’s jury highlighted the film’s ability to handle a difficult topic with sensitivity and artistic grace, distinguishing it among a competitive slate of entries. The Animation Is Film Festival, which has grown into a significant platform for animated storytelling, showcases a blend of established talents and emerging voices pushing the boundaries of the medium.

In addition to the top honor, the Fumi Kitahara Special Jury Prize was bestowed upon “Iron Boy,” directed by Louis Clichy. This award commemorates the late Fumi Kitahara, a passionate advocate and publicist for the festival's mission who passed away in 2025. “Iron Boy” also garnered the Features Audience Award, reflecting broad acclaim from both critics and viewers.

Clichy’s film stood out for its stylistic innovation, employing watercolor-like and Chinese ink-brush aesthetics that evoke an impressionistic quality. The narrative draws from the director’s personal experiences growing up in rural France, unfolding a heartfelt story centered on a young boy coping with a physical disability and navigating a complex relationship with his father. The film’s avoidance of sentimental clichés in favor of a more nuanced portrayal was particularly praised.

The Shorts Jury Grand Prize was awarded to Don Hertzfeldt’s “Paper Trail,” a film recognized for its unique and deeply affecting approach. Meanwhile, the Shorts Special Jury Prize went to Anna Mantzaris’s “Please,” which was commended for its blend of humor and emotional depth in examining the human desire for connection.

The 2026 festival’s feature competition lineup included a diverse array of animated works from international creators, such as Masanao Kawajiri’s “Cherry and Virgin,” Shingo Natsume’s “Ghost — End of Night,” Nicolas Athané and Marco Nguyen’s “Jim Queen,” Louise Bagnall’s “Julián,” a multi-director project “O Filho Da Puta (Son of a Bitch),” Ervin Han and Raúl García’s “The Violinist,” and Sébastien Laudenbach’s “Viva Carmen!” These selections underscore the festival’s commitment to showcasing a wide spectrum of storytelling styles and cultural perspectives.

Short films competing this year ranged from experimental pieces like “Acid City” by Jack Wedge and Will Freudenheim to narrative-driven works such as “Daughters of the Late Colonel” by Elizabeth Hobbs and “God is Shy” by Jocelyn Charles. This breadth highlights the festival’s role in elevating both innovative short formats and emerging talent.

Beyond the competition, the festival featured several special presentations, including the first major theatrical showing of Dana Terrace’s “Knights of Guinevere” and a special screening of Laika’s “Wildwood,” attended by director Travis Knight. Attendees also gained behind-the-scenes insights into Disney’s upcoming “Hexed” and a preview of the work-in-progress “Clara and the Below,” reflecting the festival’s engagement with both completed works and projects in development.

The 2026 Animation Is Film Festival reaffirmed its position as a vital forum for animated cinema, celebrating works that challenge traditional narratives and expand the artistic possibilities of animation. With “Tangles” capturing the highest honor, the festival spotlighted the medium’s capacity to address profound human experiences with nuance and visual innovation.