Japan’s most acclaimed animation studio, Studio Ghibli, is returning more than once to the big screen this year. Beginning in 2017 with an even more successful year in 2018, Studio Ghibli Fest has returned for another year after high demand.

Fathom Events and GKIDS, distributor of multiple Academy Award-nominated animated features, are proud to continue their collaboration together and deliver an expanded selection of worthy Ghibli animated films to U.S. cinemas throughout 2019.  Featuring nine of Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces, the series kicks off with the 15th anniversary of the Academy Award-nominated fantasy adventure “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

The fest continues with the 35th anniversary of “Nauiscaä of the Valley of the Wind,” “Whisper of the Heart,” the 30th anniversary of “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” “The Secret World of Arrietty,” the Academy Award-winning “Spirited Away,” “Princess Mononoke” and concludes with the Academy Award-nominated “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.”

“After two extraordinary years of Studio Ghibli Fests, we couldn’t be more pleased to partner with GKIDS once again,” Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. “The 2019 anime series gives fans across the nation a unique opportunity to experience these renowned titles together at their local cinemas and we’re proud to be able to make these communal viewings possible.”

Founded in 1985 by animated film directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli has created 22 feature-length films. Most Ghibli films are ranked number one at the box office in Japan in the year they are released. Specifically “Spirited Away,” directed by Hayao Miyazaki, was released in 2001, becoming the Japan’s all-time highest grossing film, earning over 30 billion yen at the box office.

Studio Ghibli films have also gathered numerous awards and critical acclaim from film critics and animation specialists around the world. According to Fathom Events, “Spirited Away” was awarded the Golden Bear as the Best Feature Film at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival, on top of winning the 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film. With the continuing success and praise from not only Japan but those around the world, Studio Ghibli in “conjunction with The Tokuma Memorial Cultural Foundation for Animation, founded the Ghibli Museum, “Mitaka,” designed by Hayao Miyazaki,” according to Fathom.

“GKIDS is extremely proud to be bringing the beloved Studio Ghibli films back to the big screen with Fathom Events, so fans can discover and rejoice in these wonderful, iconic animated works throughout 2019!” GKIDS Co-Founder and President Eric Beckman said.

If you are interested in purchasing tickets for Studio Ghibli Fest 2019, you can buy tickets in advance by visiting www.FathomEvents.com, www.ghiblifest.com or at participating theater box offices. Weekday showings begin at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday showings begin at 12:55 p.m. (all local times).

Studio Ghibli Fest 2019 Schedule:

• “Howl’s Moving Castle: 15^th Anniversary” – Sunday, April 7; Monday, April 8; and Wednesday, April 10.
• “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind: 35^th Anniversary” – Monday, May 20; Tuesday, May 21.
• “Whisper of the Heart” – Monday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 2.
• “Kiki’s Delivery Service: 30th Anniversary” – Sunday, July 28; Monday, July 29; and Wednesday, July 31.
• “My Neighbor Totoro” – Sunday, August 25; Monday, August 26; and Wednesday, August 28.
• “The Secret World of Arrietty” – Sunday, September 29 and Monday, September 30
• “Spirited Away” – Sunday, October 27; Monday, October 28; and Wednesday, October 30.
• “Princess Mononoke” – Sunday, November 17; Monday, November 18; and Wednesday, November 20.
• “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya” – Monday, December 16 and Wednesday, December 18.