By Adriana Liberti
Correspondent
In celebration of their 40th anniversary, Studio Ghibli Fest is back for a year-long celebration. With a lineup of eight movies, this year’s fest highlights the works of Studio Ghibli co-founders Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki. Additionally, celebrating a special 15th anniversary is Oscar-nominated Hiromasa Yonebayashi.
Studio Ghibli Fest is taking place in theaters throughout the United States, with each movie having its own designated window of time for viewing. The films, which are being distributed by Fathom Events, are being shown with English audio as well as Japanese audio with English subtitles.
Having started in May and ending in November, the festival features fan favorites such as “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Spirited Away,” as well as their newest addition to their roster, “The Boy and the Heron,” all directed by Miyazaki. Notably, Studio Ghibli Fest is also featuring “Grave of the Fireflies” directed by Takahata. While less popular, it is being acknowledged for its “emotional tour-de-force.”
Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio most known for its breathtaking art style and timeless stories. They have won countless awards, including two Academy Awards, and have received five Oscar nominations. Separately, Miyazaki received an Honorary Award at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Governors Awards in 2014. Additionally, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures created a special exhibit when it first opened in Sept. 2021 as a tribute to his artwork. The studio has also received the Honorary Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
Studio Ghibli Fest has been held annually for eight years, starting in 2017 (except 2020). The festival is very successful and considered one of the most popular and profitable events that Fathom Events does. Due to its millions of participants, the festival is continuing to expand each year to more theaters and adding more movies to the lineup.
Films that have been shown already are “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “The Secret World of Arrietty,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Grave of the Fireflies,” and “Ponyo.” Coming up next is “Howl’s Moving Castle” from Sept. 20th to 24th, followed by “Spirited Away” in October and ending with “The Boy and the Heron” in November.
“Howl’s Moving Castle” is about a quiet girl named Sophie who works in a hat shop. She is suddenly swept off her feet by a mysterious and handsome wizard named Howl. Her life is thrown into turmoil when the vengeful Witch of the Waste puts a curse on Sophie, causing her to appear as an elderly woman. In an attempt to break the curse, she travels to Howl’s Moving Castle, where a new and exciting adventure begins. In the English dub, the movie features the voice talents of Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Billy Crystal, Blythe Danner, Emily Mortimer and Jean Simmons.
Whether it’s revisiting classics or experiencing a Studio Ghibli film for the first time, the festival serves as a reminder of the studio’s impact on animation and audiences around the world.
