StudioCanal Set UK Dates For 'Princess Kaguya' and 'Song Of The Sea'

Since the announcement of this year's Oscar nominations, there's been an awful lot of talk about the fact that The Lego Movie missed out on a nomination. Elsewhere though, there's been delight that the Academy decided to nominate two non-Hollywood animated productions, with Studio Ghibli's The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya and Cartoon Saloon's Song Of The Sea. Both of these films are due to be released in the UK by StudioCanal, and the distributor celebrated their nominations by announcing the eagerly awaited release dates.

As revealed via their official twitter feed, Princess Kaguya will hit UK cinemas on March 20th, while Song Of the Sea will open in the UK and Ireland on July 10th. Both films previously screened at the London Film Festival last October, but this will represent UK audiences first opportunity to see both films outside a festival environment. Although a summer release for Tomm Moore's second feature seems like an agonising wait, it does suggest that StudioCanal is aiming towards the crucial summer-holiday period. This means they should be (quite rightly) aiming it a more general family audience, rather than just targeting a more arthouse crowd. On the other hand, Kaguya- while made by Studio Ghibli, is probably not as universal as Miyazaki's films, and will play to a more niche audience.

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya is the latest film by Isao Takahata (Grave Of The Fireflies). Based on a traditional Japanese folk-tale about a tiny girl found inside a bamboo stalk by a Bamboo Cutter and his wife. Animated in a beautiful watercolour-style, the film has already wowed animation fans the world over, and has attracted 3 Annie Nominations. The English cast features Chloe Grace Moretz, Lucy Liu and James Caan.

Song Of The Sea is the second feature directed by Tomm Moore. Delving into the world of Irish folklore, the film is currently enjoying a successful limited release in the United States via GKIDS. As well as the Oscar nod, it has also racked up an incredible 7 Annie Nominations.