Castles in the Sky: Miyazaki, Takahata & the Masters of Studio Ghibli

In a sense, movie animation may never have been bigger than it is right now, with studio family features regularly topping box-office charts. But with computer animation dominant and conventional hand-drawn work all but vanished, it’s wonderful to be reminded of the work still being done by group of remarkable Japanese cinematic artists.

Throughout the month of August and into early September, the Salt Lake Film Society presents the touring showcase of Studio Ghibli animation Castles in the Sky, featuring brand-new, beautiful 35mm prints of 15 classic films. Studio Ghibli is best known for the films directed by Hayao Miyazaki, whose most recent masterpieces include My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle and the 2002 Academy Award-winning Best Animated Feature Spirited Away (pictured). Yet this program also features older, less widely seen Miyazaki features, including Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Castle in the Sky.

In addition, the program showcases Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli colleagues. Yoshifumi Kondô’s 1995 Whisper of the Heart—like many Studio Ghibli films—features a young female protagonist, in this case a bookish young girl trying to find her purpose in life. Isao Takahata is represented by Pom Poko, My Neighbors the Yamadas and Only Yesterday.

While most of the films will be presented in child-friendly English-dubbed versions, others will be subtitled, including Spirited Away, Pom Poko, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Whisper of the Heart are featured opening week; check the full schedule for details, and catch up on some of the world’s most magical filmmaking. (Scott Renshaw)