OIAF 2025 will help seal the Honmoon with a special screening of the hugely successful Netflix musical adventure, with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans on-hand to discuss; Kevin Gillis will talk all things ‘The Raccoons’ at the Animation Exposé.
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), running September 24-28, will be helping audiences seal the Honmoon at a special sing-along screening of , presented by Netflix, on September 26, 2025, at the ByTowne Cinema.Following the 9:00 p.m.
screening, directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans will participate in a Q&A session moderated by Animation Magazine’s Ramin Zahed.Kang and Appelhans will share insights into the creative journey behind this groundbreaking film by discussing its bold storytelling and innovative animation.“Bringing this exciting interactive screening of to Ottawa is a highlight for the festival,” says Kelly Neall, OIAF's managing director.
“We're excited to welcome the film’s co-directors, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, whose creative vision has made a global impact, and offer festival-goers a rare chance to discover the magic of the animated feature directly from its creators.” Kang, a Canadian filmmaker born in Seoul, developed the concept behind the film by blending her Korean heritage and passion for K-pop.She previously worked as a story artist on animated features such as , , and .Appelhans, known for directing and contributing to animated works like , and , joined Kang at Sony Pictures Animation to bring vivid musical storytelling and distinctive visuals to the project.
Their collaboration has led to a global box office hit, celebrating Korean culture and music through the adventures of HUNTR/X and their fight against supernatural threats.With a voice cast that includes Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo, and music from K-pop powerhouses including Teddy Park and members of TWICE, the film fuses Korean folklore, music video stylization, and supernatural action into what quickly become the most streamed movie on Netflix globally since its June 20 debut.The soundtrack’s lead single, “Golden,” performed by the fictional girl group, became the first virtual artist track to top both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl.
U.S.charts and is being entered for Academy Awards consideration. Kang and Appelhans direct, with a script by Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Kang, and Appelhans.Michelle L.M.
Wong produces alongside co-producers Scott Berri and Jacky Priddle.The film is from Sony Pictures Animation.It also stars Yunjin Kim, Joel Kim Booster, and Liza Koshy, with Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Byung Hun Lee.
Presented by Netflix as part of OIAF, tickets for this special screening are $15 and are available in advance through the festival’s online box office.Subject to availability, a limited number of tickets will be sold at the ByTowne Cinema on the day of the event.From its beginnings as a Christmas special to its status as a global cult classic, remains one of Canada’s most beloved animated series—and it all started in Ottawa.
In celebration of the show’s 40th anniversary, Ottawa creator Kevin Gillis will appear at the Animation Exposé at 11:30 a.m.on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Babs Asper Theatre in the National Arts Centre (NAC) for an exclusive behind-the-scenes talk about the series.The Artist Talk, moderated by CBC Ottawa’s Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco, will feature Gillis alongside Ottawa writer and animation historian Dan Lalande.
They will discuss the story of how the series came to life, from its earliest concept stages and partnerships with CBC, to the music, animation, and values that shaped a generation of viewers.“ holds a special place in my childhood, and forty years later, it’s still a Canadian animation classic that continues to inspire new generations.Its charming portrayal of Canadian critters in the Evergreen Forest blends heart, humor, and timeless storytelling,” says Amanda Misko, the OIAF’s Industry and Community Programming Manager.
“I’m honored that OIAF is presenting this beloved series at Animation Exposé alongside its creator, Kevin Gillis, celebrating its rich history and enduring impact.” A rare chance to hear directly from the creator behind a true Canadian animation classic, the panel will also highlight the 2023 4K restoration of and discuss how the show continues to discover new audiences on platforms such as YouTube, Boomerang, CRAVE, and BritBox.Following the Artist Talk, Gillis will be available for a free signing session at 12:45 p.m.in the Canal Foyer of the NAC.
A writer, director, musician and executive producer, Gillis has produced several globally successful media projects, including (1985-1991); (1994); (2004-2008); and Disney’s (2009-2011).His shows have been broadcast in over 180 countries and have been nominated for and/or won a number of awards.Animation Exposé is a one-day event at the OIAF that features Artist Talks, recruiting opportunities, an exhibitor’s fair with animation schools and studios, and live sketching activities.
Attendees can access Animation Exposé Artist Talks with a valid OIAF pass or tickets ordered exclusively through Ticketmaster
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
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