The popularity of Animé content, known as animation in Japan, has exploded in recent years, with an entire subculture passionate about the film and television series in this colourful and captivating genre. Following on the success of The Boy and The Heron’s release earlier this year in cinemas, Gravel Road Distribution Group is now bringing South African audiences a cinema-first…. a dedicated Animé film festival celebrating the iconic Studio Ghibli, on the big screen, starting this August.
The Japanese Studio Ghibli is one of the most acclaimed animation studios in the world, and the home of some of the most beloved Anime works to have ever released. Founded in 1985 by film directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki, the globally renowned studio has produced twenty-two feature-length films, and won numerous accolades, including two Academy® Awards, a Golden Globe and the coveted Cannes Film Festival honorary Palme d’Or. (The first time in history a company has been bestowed this prestigious acknowledgement).
The Animé Festival 2024 will kick off with My Neighbour Totoro on Thursday 8 August at cinemas across the country that will host the festival. This captivating film tells the story of Satsuki and her sister Mei, who move with their father to a new home in the countryside. They soon discover that the house and nearby woods are full of strange and delightful creatures, including a gigantic but gentle forest spirit called Totoro, who can only be seen by children. Totoro and his friends introduce the girls to a series of adventures, including a ride aboard the extraordinary Cat Bus, in this Anime masterpiece.
This will be followed by the Academy Award ® winning Spirited Away, that will release at festival cinemas on 23 August 2024. This dazzling tour-de-force is the story of a young girl – Chihiro- whose family stops off to explore an abandoned village, while moving house. Her parents undergo a mysterious transformation and Chihiro is whisked into a world of fantastic spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. Put to work in a magical bathhouse for spirits and demons, Chihiro must use all her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents and return to the normal world.
The third film in the festival, Howl’s Moving Castle, will release on 6 September. This Academy Award® nominated film is the sweeping fantasy adventure of Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, who finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. The vein and vengeful Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a curse on Sophie and turns her into a 90-year-old woman. On a quest to break the spell, Sophie climbs aboard Howl’s magnificent moving castle and into a new life of wonder and adventure. But as the true power of Howl’s wizardry is revealed, Sophie finds herself fighting to protect them both from a dangerous war of sorcery that threatens their world.
Animé Festival 2024 cinemas include Ster-Kinekor Eastgate, Mall of Africa, The Zone@ Rosebank, Cavendish Square, Somerset Mall, Tyger Valley, V&A Waterfront, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and Bayside Mall, as well as independent favourites The Bioscope, The Labia and others. Tickets for the Anime Film Festival 2024 will be available at Ster-Kinekor cinemas at a special price of R75 per ticket per film (no club discounts applicable). Bookings will open soon.
Extending beyond the films on screen, fans will also be able to participate in this unique event honouring Studio Ghibli’s legacy by immersing themselves in unique Japanese and Anime Lifestyle themed activations such as tea tastings, fan art displays, cosplay events and more, linked to each film. Details will be shared on Gravel Road Distribution’s social pages.
The logo for the festival was recently unveiled, following an Animé enthusiast community competition which saw dozens of creatives coming forward to pitch for the opportunity and a fan voting process on social media. The winning logo, that was designed by Imogen Cupido, was inspired by Ghibli inspired cats and traditional Hanko stamps, and can be viewed here.
According to Skyquest, internationally, the popularity of anime film market is growing exponentially with an expected compound annual growth rate of 12.3% from 2023 to 2028 and ever-expanding ecosystem that reflects the boundless creativity of its creators and the passion of its fans. The anime industry’s resilience and ability to adapt to global demands will likely continue to fuel its trajectory in the coming years.
For more information, or to find a cinema, go to: https://www.gravelroadafrica.com/
