Brittany Babela
There’s no denying that there is a certain charm to animated film. They often incite nostalgia and bring back that sense of childhood wonder. No other film studio quite captures that sense of magic like Studio Ghibli. Maybe you know the name Studio Ghibli from some of their critically acclaimed films such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind or Princess Mononoke. It’s those films and more, that are debuting in this year’s third annual Studio Ghibli Fest, which runs from April through December at cinemas across North America.
North American audiences seldom get the chance to see Japanese animation live in theatres. Especially with the additional option of subtitled or dubbed. The lineup for the 2019 Fest kicks off with Howl’s Moving Castle, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary. And Studio Ghibli Fest doesn’t lose it’s momentum. Instead each month audiences can expect classics like Kiki’s Delivery Service and My Neighbor Totoro. And for those of us that are diehard Studio Ghibli fans, you might be in for a pleasant surprise too. Films such as The Secret World of Arrietty and The Tale of Princess Kaguya make an appearance in theatres, during September and December respectively.
Studio Ghibli is famous for its distinct animation style and a focus on our relationship with nature. Though environmentalism and pacifism may not be everyone’s favourite topic—or perhaps it’s something you actively avoid—each film has these concepts. But fear not, they’re done in a way that doesn’t feel preachy or overdone. Instead those underlying themes simply add to the story-line. You’ll find yourself questioning if you really want humanity to overcome the odds. (Spoiler: Often you don’t.)
Even if you only snag a seat for one or two of these films in theatre, I promise you won’t be disappointed. And if this is your first Studio Ghibli film, or you aren’t always a fan of anime, I would recommend either Spirited Away or Howl’s Moving Castle, as they are fan favourites for a reason.
It’s important to note that the dates of the films differ in Canada and the United States and by city. Please check out your local theatre for your specific dates or the Studio Ghibli Fest website.
(If you’re not a fan of animated films but are a bit of a gamer—and adore this style— don’t forget to check out the video game Ni no Kuni and its sequel. Both games are on Sony’s PS4.)
Studio Ghibli Fest 2019
For decades, Studio Ghibli’s breathtakingly beautiful movies have captivated audiences with stunning visuals and inspired generations of fans through masterful storytelling. Join GKIDS and Fathom Events for the third annual Studio Ghibli Fest to experience the wonder of nine beloved, groundbreaking animated films. For more information on dates and titles, and to purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/2TErUqc.
