Studio Ghibli North, the one-of-a-kind celebration of the studio behind beloved film classics such as “Spirited Away,” “Ponyo” and “Princess Mononoke,” returns for its fourth edition Sept. 11-13 at Sudbury Indie Cinema.
“These films are kind of unlike anything else out there,” said festival co-director Simone Widdifield. “They have this ability to make incredible stories and worlds feel so familiar even on first watch.”
Filled with luscious hand-drawn animation, Studio Ghibli broke through with North American audiences in the 1990s, going on to inspire generations of children and adults alike.
“The Indie team is hard at work crafting an immersive experience that honours the whimsical and nostalgic settings of Studio Ghibli films,” she said. “You’re going to feel transported into the worlds of these films.”
The festival features vendors such as Kako’s Kitchen, the South End restaurant selling authentic Japanese meals and treats.
“They really add so much experience to the festival,” said festival co-director Mirand Macleod. “Not only are you joining this community of people who adore the films of Studio Ghibli, but you get to enjoy foods and handmade goods inspired by the films.”
New this year is a partnership with Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC). People can buy tickets on behalf of a child with cancer to give the children and their families the Studio Ghibli experience of a lifetime.
The fourth edition opens Sept. 11 with the Oscar-winning “Spirited Away,” followed by a prize-filled game of Trivia.
“Howl’s Moving Castle” makes its debut in the festival Saturday night, and the final day kicks off with a double header of “My Neighbour Totoro” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service.”
Individual tickets are $12. Passes for Saturday and Sunday are available as well as the full weekend.
Tickets, passes and all information about the films including parental ratings can be found at sudburyindiecinema.com/studio-ghibli.