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Since 2017, Fathom Events has partnered with Studio Ghibli and distributor GKIDS to bring some of the Japanese anime studio’s most popular films back to theaters through an event known as Studio Ghibli Fest. This month, Ghibli Fest returns to theaters across North America, including Regal Destiny USA in Syracuse.

Starting last weekend, Regal Destiny USA will host a series of limited-time screenings of the studio’s movies. The 2023 lineup is intended to be a retrospective of legendary director and studio co-founder Hayao Miyazaki’s work.

All 10 of Miyazaki’s Ghibli films will be re-released in theaters between March and November, with the addition of a live-action stage adaptation of ‘Spirited Away.’ Along the way, the event will also celebrate the anniversaries of fan favorites like ‘My Neighbor Totoro,’ ‘Ponyo’ and ‘The Wind Rises.’

Miyazaki’s films are known for their expressive art style, unique magical elements and emotional complexity in comparison to other animated projects. As the director approaches the release of his first film since 2013, ‘How Do You Live,’ it’s worthwhile to look back on the movies that form the foundation of his career.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Studio Ghibli Fest is a great opportunity to brush up on one of the biggest names in animation. Here is the full schedule of films that will be available this year.

‘My Neighbor Totoro’ 35th Anniversary — March 25-29

A colorful, fun-filled family classic, ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ features a cat-like forest spirit who befriends two sisters after they move into a farm on the edge of his woodland home. ‘Totoro’ was recently ranked among the 100 best films of all time in the British Film Institute’s Sight & Sound Poll, tied for #72. The film marks its 35th anniversary in 2023, which is the perfect way to kick off the next eight months of Ghibli in theaters.

‘Spirited Away: Live on Stage’ — April 23 & 27

Audiences likely remember 2001’s ‘Spirited Away,’ which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, but they may not be familiar with its recent stage version. Recorded during a 2022 performance in Tokyo, Tony Award-winner John Caird adapted and directed this play based on the film.

‘Ponyo’ 15th Anniversary — May 7-8 & 10

‘Ponyo’ tells the unforgettably strange story of a goldfish who wishes she could become human. Her wish comes true with the help of a human boy named Sōsuke and a little magic, but not without consequences. This whimsical seaside adventure was a hit at the worldwide box office when it appeared in theaters 15 years ago.

‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ — June 11-12 & 14

‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ is the ultimate comfort movie. The film’s low-key plot, goofy humor, beautiful artwork and infectious music create a relaxed portrait of city life that succeeds based on the pure irresistibility of its atmosphere. The chance to sink into this world for an hour and a half in theaters is too good to pass up.

Stephanie Zaso | Digital Design Director

‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ — July 9 & 11

Although ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ was released in 1984, a year before the studio was founded, it is considered to be the first Studio Ghibli film. Everything that audiences would grow to love about Hayao Miyazaki’s work at Ghibli is present in ‘Nausicaä,’ from his environmentally-conscious storytelling to his evocative hand-drawn animation.

‘Castle in the Sky’ — July 10 & 12

Inspired by the architecture of Wales, ‘Castle in the Sky’ presents an alternate-reality depiction of the 1800s that includes robots, magic and flying pirate ships. This parable about greed and industrialization follows two young friends who must protect a mystical amulet from sinister forces who want to use its power for their own gain.

‘Princess Mononoke’ — August 5-9

Widely regarded as one of the studio’s greatest achievements, ‘Princess Mononoke’ is Miyazaki at his most mature and thematically ambitious. Between the grisly battle scenes and apocalyptic imagery, you’ll be shocked that this film comes from the same director who brought ‘Totoro’ and ‘Ponyo’ to life. Nuanced characters and breathtaking animated landscapes make ‘Mononoke’ a must-see.

‘Porco Rosso’ — August 20 & 22

Possibly the most conceptually bizarre Ghibli film ever made, ‘Porco Rosso’ tells the story of a World War I fighter pilot who is inexplicably cursed to have the head of a pig. It’s an airborne adventure that draws on Miyazaki’s lifelong passion for aviation, with a reputation as one of the studio’s hidden gems. ‘Porco Rosso’ combines off-kilter comedy and exhilarating dogfight sequences with a sorrowful sense of loss to portray the fallout of war.

‘The Wind Rises’ 10th Anniversary — August 21 & 23

‘The Wind Rises’ is another of Miyazaki’s tributes to the history of flight. It centers around real-life Japanese engineer Jiro Horikoshi and his career designing fighter planes for Mitsubishi. ‘The Wind Rises’ was originally intended to be Miyazaki’s final film, a love letter to a personal hero, but he has come out of retirement for this year’s ‘How Do You Live.’

‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ — September 23-27

Like many Ghibli films, ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ revolves around an anti-war message. The film is set in a steampunk world at war and follows Sophie, a young girl who is turned into an elderly woman by an evil witch. After running away from home, Sophie meets an eccentric magician named Howl who refuses to join the war. Miyazaki has stated that ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ is his favorite movie of those he directed.

‘Spirited Away’ — October 28-November 1

Studio Ghibli Fest will close out the year with ‘Spirited Away,’ one of Miyazaki’s most popular and critically-acclaimed films. A magical journey into the world of Kami, spiritual creatures derived from Shinto folklore, ‘Spirited Away’ joined ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ in the BFI’s Sight & Sound Poll rankings at #75.

Published on March 27, 2023 at 10:16 pm