Netflix has officially announced its multi-film partnership with Japanese animation studio Studio Ponoc. This new deal includes the global streaming rights to the studio’s upcoming animated film slate.
Studio Ponoc’s upcoming fantasy anime movie The Imaginary will be the first one that will premiere on Netflix. It is scheduled to stream later this year following its theatrical release in Japan.
“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. Netflix’s genuine commitment to supporting animation as a vital,” Studio Ponoc founder Yoshiaki Nishimura said in a statement.
What is The Imaginary about?
“The Imaginary portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger,” reads the synopsis. “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. The film is an unforgettable adventure of love, loss, and the healing power of imagination.”
The Imaginary is directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, who was part of the animation teams for some of the most popular anime features, including Grave of the Fireflies, Spirited Away, Whisper of the Heart, and Porco Rosso. The film’s voice cast includes Kokoro Terada, Rio Suzuki, Sakura Ando, Riisa Naka, Takayuki Yamada, Atsuko Takahata, and Issey Ogata.
It is produced by former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura. The project hails from Studio Ponoc, the Japanese animation studio behind the anime films Mary and the Witch’s Flower and Modest Heroes.
