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The historic Castro Theater reopened this winter after extensive renovations and has since hosted a series of major events, including film screenings, concerts featuring artists like Sam Smith, and more. The theater has a packed lineup of live music, but San Franciscans can also expect select film screenings, including an exciting celebration for the beloved film Spirited Away.
Spirited Away at the Castro Theater
Spirited Away premiered in 2001, quickly became a major hit, and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Film. Legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki wrote and directed the film, and 25 years later, it remains a beloved movie. The Castro Theater will have the anniversary screening on August 29 at 2 pm, and the doors will open at 1 pm. The film will be in Japanese, its original language, with English subtitles, and is rated PG. Tickets are on sale now, and I recommend getting yours soon.
The movie follows a young girl, Chihiro, as she enters a world of spirits on an incredible adventure while trying to find her way back home. Spirited Away was Hayao Miyazaki’s 9th feature film, following the release of Princess Mononoke in 1997.
About the Castro Theater
The Castro Theater was first built in 1922 and is known for its iconic neon sign and beautiful Art Deco-style marquee and Spanish Baroque style. The recent renovations included restoring the original artwork inside the theater, along with the outdoor facade. The theater closed in early 2024 and reopened approximately two years later. Sam Smith was the first performer at the reopened theater with a 20-show residency.