In 1986, a Japanese animated film titled Castle in the Sky soared into the hearts of artists, animators, and dreamers alike. The film, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, was the first feature produced and released by the now-immortal Studio Ghibli. Founded in 1985, the animation company has made hit after hit. By bringing together fantasy, the realities of family life, and a host of strong females, Studio Ghibli has inspired some of the greatest creatives working today.
This week, Fathom Events and animation distributor GKIDS announced that they are partnering up for the first-ever Studio Ghibli Fest. The festival’s organizers have curated a lineup of six animated classics and will screen them in theaters across the U.S.
The film festival starts in June with a two-night theatrical re-release of My Neighbor Totoro. Then each month subsequent through November will see another Ghibli favorite return to theaters. The full lineup includes classics like Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Studio Ghibli Fest will also include a collection of award-winning international animated short films. And the acclaimed 2014 French animated movie Mune: Guardian of the Moon will screen for the first time in U.S. theaters.
“We are extremely proud to be partnering again with GKIDS to bring these beloved animated films to the big screen, including some of Hayao Miyazaki’s most iconic works,” said Fathom Events CEO John Rubey in an interview with IndieWire.
2017 is looking like the best year yet for Studio Ghibli fans. In addition to the festival, Hayao Miyazaki is currently working on his first feature film since The Wind Rises. Boro the Caterpillar is expected to premiere at the Studio Ghibli museum in Japan this summer.
For more details about which theaters will be participating and ticket information, visit the Fathom Events website here.
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Text Jo Rosenthal
Image via YouTube