Since the Studio Ghibli catalog was acquired by GKIDS, the distribution company responsible for theatrical and home releases of animated films from all over the world, they’ve made good on giving the populace the biggest chance to see the classic Japanese films in as many forms as possible. We’ve already written about how much care and love was put into their Blu-ray releases of films by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and others; now they’re bringing back their other gift to fans of Studio Ghibli, by filling most of the rest of the year with Ghibli Fest 2018, a chance to see these movies on the big screen!
After what was clearly a resounding success with their Miyazaki-full Ghibli Fest 2017, GKIDS has again teamed with Fathom Events to bring nine Ghibli films to theaters for special engagements, and they’re beginning this month with the 10th anniversary of Miyazaki’s Ponyo. On March 25, 26, and 28, you can go to a participating theater and check out the master’s 10th movie. Fitting. March 25 and 28 will be the dubbed version while on March 26 will be the original Japanese language version with subtitles. The choice is yours, and yours alone.
Joining Ponyo this year are a handful of other Miyazaki movies and also a couple by his co-founder Isao Takahata and, in April, Hiroyuki Morita’s The Cat Returns. The rest of the calendar is as follows: Porco Rosso in May; Pom Poko in June; Princess Mononoke in July; Grave of the Fireflies in August (bring your Kleenex); My Neighbor Totoro in September; Spirited Away in October; and finally Castle in the Sky in November. That’s nine months of Studio Ghibli movies, on your local cinema screens.
It’s cool to see some returning Miyazaki favorites along with Takahata and Morita films. And I for one will take any opportunity to see Porco Rosso, possibly my very favorite Miyazaki film. For more information on Ghibli Fest 2018, you can check out the Fathom Events page.
Images: Studio Ghibli/GKIDS
Kyle Anderson is the Associate Editor for Nerdist. He’s the writer of Studio Ghibli retrospectives Miyazaki Masterclass, Takahata Textbook, and Ghibli Bits. Follow him on Twitter!
MORE STUDIO GHIBLI!
- Fragrances and accessories inspired by Kiki’s Delivery Service.
- 9 essential anime films not from Ghibli.
- What Studio Ghibli food looks like IRL.
