The first animated feature by Japan’s Studio Ponoc is by the Oscar-nominated director of ‘The Secret World of Arrietty’ and ‘When Marnie was There.’
Independent animation distributor and producer GKIDS has announced its acquisition of the North American distribution rights to Mary and The Witch’s Flower, the inaugural feature from Studio Ponoc. The film is directed by Academy Award-nominee Hiromasa Yonebayashi (The Secret World of Arrietty, When Marnie Was There) and is produced by Studio Ponoc founder and two-time Academy Award-nominee Yoshiaki Nishimura (The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, When Marnie Was There). GKIDS distributed The Tale of The Princess Kaguya and When Marnie Was There, both of which were nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Yonebayashi’s The Secret World of Arrietty remains the highest-grossing Studio Ghibli title in the United States to date. Mary and The Witch’s Flower will be released in theaters this winter. The deal was negotiated by Mike Runagall for Altitude Film Sales, and Eric Beckman for GKIDS.
Mary and The Witch’s Flower is based on Mary Stewart’s 1971 children’s book, The Little Broomstick, and features a script by Riko Sakaguchi. The story centers on an ordinary young girl named Mary, who discovers a flower that grants magical powers, but only for one night. As she is whisked into an exciting new world beyond belief, she must learn to stay true to herself.
Studio Ponoc has previously released the Japanese trailer for the film, which opened at the Japanese box office on July 8.
Source: GKIDS
