Fans of Studio Ghibli, new and old, have something to happy about as the Elizabeth Picture Theatre in Brisbane CBD will be screening some of the most celebrated films from the Japanese animation studio.
From 21 February until 12 May 2019, the Elizabeth will show Studio Ghibli movies Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons.
This is not the first time that the Elizabeth is hosting a film fest dedicated to the much-celebrated animation house. Its Ghibli festival last year was such a hit that the cinema is bringing it back this year.
The festival will also include the first animated feature created by Studio Ponoc, which was founded by former Studio Ghibli lead film producer, Yoshiaki Nishimura.
If you haven’t seen all the Ghibli films, this is an opportune time to catch up. All tickets at $12.
Schedule:
| 21 February 6:00 p.m. 24 February 9 May 12 May |
Spirited Away
Ten-year-old Chihiro and her parents unknowingly came upon a magical world. When Chihiro’s parents started feasting on the food at an empty restaurant stall, they turned into pigs. Now, Chihiro has to find a way to bring back her parents, before she forgets her name and be forever trapped in the spirit world. Running time: 125 mins |
| 28 February 6:00 p.m. 3 March |
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Teenage witch Kiki leaves home as part of her mandatory year of independent life. Accompanied by a talking black cat named Jiji, the trainee witch uses her flying ability to set up a delivery service. She wakes up one day realising that she can no longer fly and not able to talk to her cat. Running time: 103 mins |
| 7 March 6:00 p.m. 10 March |
Mary and the Witch’s Flower
This 2017 Japanese animated fantasy film produced by Studio Ponoc tells the story of Mary Smith who finds a mysterious flower that can give her the power to become a witch for a night. This is Studio Ponoc’s first feature film. Japanese version (subtitled) |
| 14 March 6:00 p.m. 17 March |
Princess Mononoke
Set in the late Muromachi period, the story follows the young Emishi prince Ashitaka’s involvement in a struggle between the gods of a forest and the humans who consume its resources. Running time: 134 mins |
| 21 March 6:00 p.m. 17 March |
My Neighbor Totoro
When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wonderous forest spirits who live nearby. Running time: 86 mins |
| 28 March 6:00 p.m. 31 March |
Laputa: Castle in the Sky
The film follows the adventures of a young boy and a girl who try to keep a magic crystal from falling into the hands of a group of military agents. They search for a legendary floating castle promising enormous wealth and power to those who can unlock its secrets. The movie has been regarded as a milestone in the steampunk genre, influencing Japanese pop culture and inspiring many films, media and games in Japan and beyond. Running time: 124 mins |
| 4 April 6:00 p.m. 7 April |
Grave of the Fireflies
The film follows the story of siblings, Seta and Setsuko, as they struggle to survive during World War II in Japan. Running time: 89 mins |
| 11 April 6:00 p.m. 14 April |
Howl’s Moving Castle
Set in a kingdom where both magic and early 20th-century technology exist, the film follows the story of young Sophie after she is turned into an old woman by a witch’s curse. She encounters a wizard named Howl, and gets caught up in his resistance to fighting for the king. Running time: 115 mins |
| 25 April 6:00 p.m. 25 April |
Whisper of the Heart
Shizuku is a bookworm keen on becoming a writer. One night, she notices that all of her library books have all been checked out previously by a certain Seiji Amasawa. She eventually meets Seiji and a love story between the two develops. Running time: 111 mins |
| 2 May 6:00 p.m. 5 May |
When Marnie Was There
Anna Sasaki is sent to the country for health reasons. There, she meets a mysterious girl named Marnie. As their friendship unravels, Anna learns the truth about her family and foster care. Japanese version (subtitled) |
Visit the Elizabeth Picture Theatre website for time and tickets.