Netflix Signs Global Streaming Deal with Studio Ponoc
Netflix has been the streaming home of the Studio Ghibli catalogue globally outside of the US, Canada and Japan for some years now. The streamer has now signed a similar deal with Ghibli's 'spiritual successor' Studio Ponoc.
Studio Ponoc and Netflix have entered a multi-film partnership to bring animated films from the studio to audiences around the world. It will see Netflix become the exclusive streaming home of upcoming features from Studio Ponoc.
Studio Ponoc is an animation studio founded in Tokyo in 2015 by former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura. Several former Ghibli staff have worked at the studio including Hiromasa Yonebayashi, Yoshiaki Nishimura and Yoshiyuki Momose. Their first feature was Mary And The Witch's Flower, which was followed up by anthology film Modest Heroes. They also produced the official film for the Tokyo Olympics, Tomorrow's Leaves
Nishimura says "Studio Ponoc is thrilled to bring our storytelling and innovative hand-drawn, hand-painted animated films to all audiences, and in particular to children and their families to enjoy together, around the world on Netflix. Netflix’s genuine commitment to supporting animation as a vital and valuable storytelling medium, and to growing high-quality and trailblazing animation, makes Netflix a truly excellent partner.”
Their third feature The Imaginary will be the first film to be released under the deal and will be released later in 2024, after an exclusive theatrical run in Japan.
The Imaginary portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary friend, Rudger. Their magical adventures launch from her attic, leading to a magic world of creatures and never seen before places, until a sinister force threatens to destroy the imaginary world and the friendship within it.
The film is directed by acclaimed former Ghibli animator Yoshiyuki Momose and produced by Nishimura. It features groundbreaking hand-drawn animation with first of their kind depictions of light and shadow. The Imaginary is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by A.F. Harrold and illustrated by Emily Gravett.
The deal covers all future Studio Ponoc films but does not include their past releases- although Modest Heroes is available streaming on Netflix outside the United States and Canada.
