Studio Ghibli, founded in Tokyo in 1985 by animation directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is one of the most successful and well-respected animation studios in the world. Cultivating a creative force of talented directors, animators and storytellers under the revered brilliance of Miyazaki and Takahata, Studio Ghibli's films have been praised for their originality, dazzling animation and epic storytelling. The films have become a beloved part of Japanese popular culture, and have garnered worldwide acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Hayao Miyazaki's SPIRITED AWAY won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2002, and in 2005 Miyazaki was named one of "the most influential people" by TIME magazine.

The American Cinematheque is thrilled to present a comprehensive retrospective of Studio Ghibli’s films, including new 35mm prints of several films that have never been released in North America. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Miyazaki’s beloved favorites MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, PRINCESS MONONOKE, NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE, CASTLE IN THE SKY and PORCO ROSSO, as well as seldom-seen films by Takahata, such as POM POKO, ONLY YESTERDAY and MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS. Also included in this comprehensive program are the first Ghibli feature to be made by someone other than Miyazaki or Takahata, Tomomi Mochizuki’s OCEAN WAVES, Miyazaki protégé Yoshifumi Kondo’s sole feature WHISPER OF THE HEART and Hiroyuki Morita’s sequel to the Kondo film, THE CAT RETURNS.

Half of the films will be presented in the original Japanese language versions with English subtitles, and half will be dubbed in English for a more family-friendly experience. Please refer to the event details for information.