Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — Renowned Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli, will be screening its beloved films in theaters as part of a new five-year collaboration with Singapore-based mm2 Entertainment. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this partnership will bring Ghibli’s iconic anime classics to theaters across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.
Studio Ghibli has teamed up with mm2 Entertainment to re-release several of Hayao Miyazaki’s timeless works throughout Southeast Asia. The deal covers seven countries: Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Cambodia.
The distribution agreement will showcase 21 of Ghibli’s iconic films, including widely celebrated titles such as Spirited Away (2001), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), and My Neighbor Totoro (1988).
mm2 Entertainment has confirmed that the first of these Ghibli films will begin screening in ASEAN countries by the end of 2024. This Southeast Asian release is part of Studio Ghibli’s ongoing effort to share its extensive film collection with a global audience.
“Studio Ghibli films are renowned worldwide for their artistry, storytelling, and the emotions they evoke,” said Chang Long Jong, CEO of mm2 Asia, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “This partnership allows us to bring back these beloved classics to audiences in Southeast Asia, giving them the opportunity to experience these films on the big screen as intended. We believe this collaboration will introduce a new generation of fans to the world of Studio Ghibli.”
Expanding the Ghibli Experience in Southeast Asia
In addition to the theatrical releases, Singapore will host the “World of Studio Ghibli” exhibition at the ArtScience Museum. This exhibition aims to offer fans a unique experience by showcasing the stories and characters that have made Studio Ghibli a global cultural phenomenon.
Junichi Nishioka, Studio Ghibli’s Vice President of International Distribution, emphasized the growing appreciation for Ghibli’s films across Asia. “Every day, we see visitors from Southeast Asia at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka and Ghibli Park near Nagoya, Japan,” Nishioka explained. He expressed his delight at the opportunity to introduce their films to even more people, including future generations.
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This new initiative also coincides with Ghibli’s recent achievements on the global stage. In May 2024, Studio Ghibli received an honorary Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, further solidifying its status as a cultural icon.
The studio’s latest release, The Boy and the Heron (2023), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, grossed over $250 million at the global box office last year and won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
As Studio Ghibli continues to share its cinematic magic across borders, this collaboration is set to further cement its legacy in Southeast Asia, captivating new and returning fans alike.
(Raidi/Agung)
