GKIDS Announce 'Panda Go Panda' 50th Anniversary Screenings
Certain real-world circumstances caused the whole cinema industry to pause for quite some time. As theatrical is their main business, it meant that GKIDS Films had to put all their plans on hold. Now that some semblance of normalcy has returned to the industry they are back firing on all cylinders.
This month will see the return of the much loved Ghibli Fest, with films from the beloved Japanese animation studio back on the big screen. Now GKIDS have also announced that the screenings will be complemented with a classic film from the studio's cofounders Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki.
Panda Go Panda was directed by the late Takahata and written by Miyazaki and released by TMS. It's already been revealed the film will be released on Blu-Ray this June, but GKIDS have now also confirmed it will be receiving limited cinema screenings in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
Although screening as a feature, Panda Go Panda is actually two short films- Panda Go Panda originally released in Japanese cinemas in 1972 and Rainy Day Circus, released in 1973. The films were released while Japan was in the grip of Panda fever (or Panda-monium, perhaps?) following the arrival of two Giant Pandas to a Japanese Zoo. They are a fascinating watch for any Ghibli fan, as you'll see the foundation laid on which they will go on to build their incredible careers.
SYNOPSIS:
Mimiko is a cheerful young girl who is left on her own while her grandmother is away. When little Panny Panda and his father Papanda stumble into her home, Mimiko welcomes them in as her new family. Adventures ensue as Mimiko discovers the challenges of taking care of her new cuddly friends. Directed by Isao Takahata and based on a concept by Hayao Miyazaki, Panda! Go Panda! is a charming early-career classic from two animation legends before they co-founded the award-winning Studio Ghibli.
Panda Go Panda will be screening in a brand new High-Definition restoration. It will open initially at New York's IFC Center on May 6 and at the Laemmle Los Angeles from May 13. Additional markets are to be announced.
