HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD to screen at the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International

TAAFI 2019 FESTIVAL RUNS FROM FEBRUARY 15 TO 17, 2019

TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2019 /CNW/ - The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) announced today that it will host a screening for DreamWorks Animation's feature film, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD, followed by a Q&A with Canadian Director and Writer, Dean DeBlois and Canadian actor Jay Baruchel.

The screening runs on Saturday, February 16 at 7:15PM at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema during the TAAFI 2019 Festival, which showcases more than 100 animated shorts and four feature films from more than 50 countries worldwide. "We're excited to screen this animated feature film by DreamWorks Animation, a world-class animation powerhouse," said Ben McEvoy, Chair, TAAFI. "Additionally, this is a special screening for TAAFI as we celebrate Dean DeBlois and his work to elevate Canadian talent in the animation industry."

Dean DeBlois is a Canadian born and raised filmmaker. He directed LILO & STITCH, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, and HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2. He started his career working as an assistant animator and layout artist while attending college. He graduated from Sheridan College where he studied animation.

Jay Baruchel is a Canadian actor and screenwriter. Baruchel is known for his roles in the HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON franchise, KNOCKED UP, THIS IS THE END, THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE and more. He began his career in television prior to his role in the Oscar®-winning film ALMOST FAMOUS.

About How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
From DreamWorks Animation comes a surprising tale about growing up, finding the courage to face the unknown and how nothing can ever train you to let go.  What began as an unlikely friendship between an adolescent Viking and a fearsome Night Fury dragon has become an epic adventure spanning their lives.  Welcome to the most astonishing chapter of one of the most beloved animated franchises in film history: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD.

Now chief and ruler of Berk alongside Astrid (America Ferrera), Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) has created a gloriously chaotic dragon utopia.  When the sudden appearance of female Light Fury coincides with the darkest threat their village has ever faced, Hiccup and Toothless must leave the only home they've known and journey to a hidden world thought only to exist in myth.  As their true destinies are revealed, dragon and rider will fight together—to the very ends of the Earth—to protect everything they've grown to treasure.

For How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, series director Dean DeBlois returns alongside the all-star cast. The film is produced by Brad Lewis (Ratatouille, ANTZ) and Bonnie Arnold (Toy Story, How to Train Your Dragon, How to Train Your Dragon 2). www.howtotrainyourdragon.com. Images are available on EPK.TV and image.net.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD opens in theatres in Canada on February 22.

TAAFI 2019 FESTIVAL Event Details
February 15 to 17, 2019
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
506 Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y3
Purchase tickets here: taafi.com

About the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI):
Founded in 2012, the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) is a not-for-profit arts organization whose mission is to make Toronto the premiere international destination for animated arts and entertainment. TAAFI hosts a film festival and a variety of recurring industry and public events throughout the year to create unique opportunities that connect animation artists and enthusiasts, and transform the way people create and view animation of all forms. Past TAAFI guests have included Eric Goldberg (Disney's Aladdin), Natasha Allegri (Frederator's Bee and PuppyCat) and Josh Cooley (Disney•Pixar's Inside Out).

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About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Feature Animation (DWA) is a division of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG).  Its 24-year feature-film heritage includes many beloved characters and animated franchises, including Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Trolls and The Boss Baby.  DWA's 35 feature film releases have generated more than $14.5 billion at the global box office, garnered numerous awards, and fueled a robust consumer products business.  The studio's next feature release How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World arrives in theaters in February 22, 2019, with fall 2019 bringing the release of the original animated feature Abominable.  Two inaugural short films, Bird Karma and Bilby, from DreamWorks' recently launched Shorts Program, are currently debuting in festivals around the world.

SOURCE Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI)

For further information: Matthew Celestial, MCPR, [e-mail], +1 289.387.0917; Janice Luke, Universal Pictures Canada, [e-mail], +1 416.495.3633