Studio Ghibli's 'Only Yesterday' US Theatrical Details Revealed

Independent Animation specialists GKIDS had previously announced that 2016 would see Isao Takahatas' 1991 feature Only Yesterday released in the United States at last. Not only that but it would be getting the treatment it deserves, with a theatrical run and a newly commissioned English dub. The distributor has now revealed more specific details on the release- and US fans will get to see it sooner than they might be expecting.

In fact, the film will debut at New York's IFC Center on January 1st 2016. The venue will be showing the English version, which is set to include the voice talents of Star Wars: The Force Awakens star Daisy Ridley and Dev Patel. It's not known if they will also screen the original language version as well- although GKIDS typically offers both versions.

The film will expand it's run across the country from February 26th. If it follows the usual release pattern of a GKIDS film, it will play at independent venues across the Unites States (and a handful in Canada) in the following weeks and months. Expect GKIDS to announce the dates and locations in the not too distant future.

Only Yesterday is a drama following a 27-year-old woman who reflects on her childhood as she visits her family in the countryside. It's easy to see why it's a tougher sell than My Neighbour Totoro or Princess Mononoke, and that may be why Disney never chose to release it in the States (although local distributors have released in in the UK and Australia). But with Takahata finally getting more recognition in the West in the wake of Princess Kaguya, it's gratifying to see one of his most acclaimed films getting it's long overdue time in the sun.

[source]