For those of you who are unaware, Studio Ponoc is an animation studio created by Yoshiaki Nishimura, who was a former Studio Ghibli producer. The two studios share a resemblance in character design and animation styles. One of the best examples is the 2017 animated film, Mary and the Witch’s Flower, which is also a fantasy adventure film like most Ghibli films are.
Additionally, there has been a new film in the making titled The Imaginary which was originally supposed to be released last year but unfortunately got delayed.
Here’s the official trailer which was released nearly two years ago now:
Film Synopsis
“Based on the award-winning novel “The Imaginary” by A.F. Harrold. The main character of The Imaginary is Rudger. Born from a young girl’s imagination, Rudger is a boy no one can see who lives in a world where imaginations can live and be eaten by others. The Imaginary is an extraordinarily touching and beautiful hand-drawn fantasy film in which Rudger and his new friends in “The Imaginaries Town” embark on an adventure no one can see at the risk of the futures and fates of those they love.”
Credit via letterboxd
Based on this summary and previous trailer, I hope to see more fantasy/adventure films that this studio and Yoshiyuki Momose continues to bring. Although the catalogue of films they’ve been releasing have been nothing more than good, I believe they have so much room for growth and improvement. More so than often, their films feel so refreshing and it’s great to see great use of 2D animation in the film industry once again.
New Poster
Now we have released a new poster of “The Imaginary” film set to release this winter December 15, 2023.
All credit goes to Twitter account @catsuka and the official Studio Ponoc website (https://www.ponoc.jp/)
Thank you so much for reading! Comment down below any thoughts you have and stay tuned for more updates and information on this upcoming film!