Awesome festival showcasing Studio Ghibli works on in Perth from November 21

In case you’ve had your head stuck in a Marvel hole and don’t realise there are alternative animated films out there, we thought we’d fill you in on the cinematic works of Studio Ghibli.

And if you’re already a Ghibli convert, you’re going to get a kick out of the Studio Ghibli Film Festival being hosted in Perth from November 21 to December 8.

Across 18 days the festival will showcase 15 iconic titles from the legendary studio, with all screenings presented on 35mm film for an authentic cinematic experience, and all being shown at the newly restored, heritage-listed Como Theatre.

Audiences of all ages are welcomed for this rare opportunity to indulge in these beloved films as they were meant to be seen – on the big screen and in their original Japanese language with English subtitles. (For those who prefer to experience the magic of Studio Ghibli in English, select dubbed screenings will also be available.)

At the heart of Ghibli films is a sense of magical realism, with storylines and scenes seamlessly infusing ordinary settings and characters with extraordinary elements.

The festival in Perth offers a variety of excellent examples – films fans will love to see again on the big screen, and movies that’ll surely bring in new, wide-eyed converts. From Hayao Miyazaki’s timeless masterpieces like My Neighbor Totoro and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, to beloved favourites like Princess Mononoke and Howl’s Moving Castle, the lineup is a treasure trove of imaginative storytelling.

A still from ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (above), and still from ‘Spirited Away’ (top of story).

For screening times and ticket purchases, visit therevivalhouseperth.com.au or oztix.com.au. For avid Ghibli fans, a special Festival Pass offers unlimited access to all screenings for just $200 (plus booking fee).

Antonino Tati

THE POP SHOP