The next feature from the animation house founded by Oscar-nominated former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura, ‘The Imaginary,’ will hit the streamer later this year after its theatrical run in Japan.
Studio Ponoc has just made Netflix the exclusive streaming home of its upcoming animated feature film slate. The first release from the new partnership, The Imaginary, will debut globally on the streamer later this year following its theatrical run in Japan.
The Tokyo, Japan studio was founded in 2015 by former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura, who was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature for both The Tale of The Princess Kaguya and When Marnie Was There.
“Studio Ponoc is thrilled to bring our storytelling and innovative hand-drawn, hand-painted animated films to all audiences, and in particular to children and their families to enjoy together, around the world on Netflix,” said Nishimura. “Netflix’s genuine commitment to supporting animation as a vital and valuable storytelling medium, and to growing high-quality and trailblazing animation, makes Netflix a truly excellent partner.”
According to the streamer, The Imaginary portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger. Their fantastical adventures, launched from her attic, lead them to discover a magical world of creatures and places never before seen until a sinister force threatens to destroy their imaginary world and the friendship within it. It’s based on the award-winning novel of the same name by A.F. Harrold that’s illustrated by Emily Gravett (Bloomsbury Publishing). Directed by renowned animator Yoshiyuki Momose (Spirited Away), The Imaginary is an unforgettable adventure of love, loss, and the healing power of imagination. Nishimura serves as the film’s producer. The streamer also notes that the film’s hand-drawn animation employs some first-of-their-kind techniques for light and shadow.
The name “Studio Ponoc” comes from the Croatian word “ponoć”, which means “midnight” or the beginning of a new day, which according to the studio, reflects Nishimura’s goal of a new start for globally-appealing animation created in Japan that inspires and enthralls all audiences around the world, especially aiming to create films for children to enjoy with their families. The studio’s debut film, Mary and The Witch’s Flower (2017), was directed by Oscar nominee Hiromasa “Maro” Yonebayashi, who also directed the Studio Ghibli films The Secret World of Arrietty and When Marnie Was There (nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature) .
The announcement follows a big year for feature animation at Netflix that saw Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and Leo, starring Adam Sandler, making the biggest debut ever for a Netflix animated film.
Source: Netflix
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
