Studio Ghibli’s first entirely 3D CG animated film is slated for North American theatrical release in in early 2021.
GKIDS has announced that it has acquired the North American distribution rights for legendary animation house Studio Ghibli's latest feature Earwig and The Witch. The film is directed by Goro Miyazaki (From Up on Poppy Hill, Tales from Earthsea), with planning on the feature by his father, Academy Award-winner Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro). Studio co-founder Toshio Suzuki served as producer.
The film, based on the children's novel Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones (Howl's Moving Castle), marks Studio Ghibli's first entirely 3D CG animated feature. An official selection for the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, the film is slated to air on NHK in Japan Winter 2020. GKIDS will release the film theatrically in North America in early 2021.
“Nowadays, in our country, there are many adults and few children,” commented Goro Miyazaki. “It must be tough for these children, so few of them having to deal with so many adults. It was while I was thinking about this that I got to know Earwig. And I realized, 'That's it!' How does Earwig deal with the annoying adults? Please watch Earwig and The Witch to find out. She may be cheeky, but I sincerely hope that our adorable Earwig will encourage children and cheer up adults.”
"A new Studio Ghibli film is always a cause for celebration for fans around the world," remarked GKIDS' president, David Jesteadt. "We are excited to see Goro Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli working in a new animation style and look forward to sharing the film with audiences early next year."
Growing up in an orphanage, Earwig has no idea that her mother had magical powers. Her life takes a new turn when a strange family takes her in, and she is forced to live with a selfish witch.
Source: GKIDS
