Laika’s “Wildwood” is set to open the 40th edition of AFI Fest, presented by Canva, on Oct. 21.

It also marks the U.S premiere of the film. “Wildwood” is the latest animated feature from the Portland-based studio Laika, and it’s directed and produced by Travis Knight.

The film follows a young girl named Prue (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), who launches a desperate rescue mission and is joined by her classmate Curtis (Jacob Tremblay) to save her baby brother from a murder of crows. It’s a quest that takes her into a forbidden forest outside Portland, Oregon, that’s filled with enchanted creatures at every turn, from talking animals to bandits to other powerful figures.

The voice cast also features Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits and Richard E. Grant.

“AFI is honored to celebrate ‘Wildwood’ as the Opening Night Film of the 40th Annual AFI Fest,” says Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “At a time when the world needs artistic inspiration more than ever, ‘Wildwood’ comes to the rescue by inviting audiences to a handcrafted, endlessly imaginative world that both dazzles and delights.”

Knight adds, “Sixteen years is a long time to carry a story with you. And yet, sometimes that’s what stories ask of the people who tell them. ‘Wildwood’ was built slowly, painstakingly, by hundreds of extraordinary artists and craftspeople who gave something of themselves to this movie. For so long, this strange and beautiful world belonged only to those of us fortunate enough to wander through it together. To finally emerge blinking into the daylight at AFI FEST is a profound honor.” He continues, “AFI has a long tradition of championing ambitious and distinctive filmmaking and the filmmakers with the audacity, imagination and occasional poor judgment to attempt something genuinely different and sincere. We’re grateful to be among them. For sixteen years, we’ve been finding our way through Wildwood. What a privilege it is to finally welcome others inside.”

The 40th edition will take place from Oct. 21-25 and will feature a curated selection of red carpet premieres, special screenings, world cinema, documentaries and short films. Program highlights from last year’s AFI Fest included “Bugonia,” “Christy,” “Jay Kelly,” “The Testament of Ann Lee” and more.