Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events press release Official Site: ghiblifest.com Special Thanks to Jessica Nelson, Katherine Schwappach, Erik Stein and Lucy Rubin

Throughout 2018, GKIDS and Fathom Events continue their collaboration to bring a new line-up of treasured animated features to U.S. cinemas. STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2018 gives fans an opportunity to see nine of Studio Ghibli’s celebrated animated masterpieces on cinema screens nationwide, along with some very special surprises. On the horizon for Studio Ghibli Fest 2018 is the acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award-winning SPIRITED AWAY (????????, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001). Miyazaki’s wondrous fantasy adventure is a dazzling masterpiece from one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animation. SPIRITED AWAY follows Chihiro, whose family is moving to a new house, but when they stop on the way to explore an abandoned village, her parents undergo a mysterious transformation and Chihiro is whisked into a world of fantastical spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. Put to work in a magical bathhouse for spirits and demons, Chihiro must use all her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents and return to the normal world. Overflowing with imaginative creatures and thrilling storytelling, SPIRITED AWAY became a worldwide smash hit, and is one the most critically-acclaimed films of all time. Prior to the events, GKIDS will host a special Facebook Live fan Q&A with SPIRITED AWAY voice actor Susan Egan* (English voice of Lin). The 30 minute fan Q&A will be held on Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET on the GKIDS Facebook page. Fans are also encouraged to submit questions in advance via GKIDS Social media pages. Tickets for SPIRITED AWAY can be purchased online by visiting fathomevents.com or ghiblifest.com and at participating theater box offices. Moviegoers throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy these events in over 700 select movie theaters. A complete list of theater locations will be available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). Sunday, October 28 at 12:55 p.m. local time (English-language dubbed) Monday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m. local time (English-language subtitled) Wednesday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. local time (English-language dubbed)

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About Fathom Events

Fathom Events is recognized as the leading domestic distributor of event cinema with participating affiliate theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events such as live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions like the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live, sporting events like Copa America Centenario, concerts with artists like Michael Bublé, Rush and Mötley Crüe, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics film series and inspirational events such as To Joey With Love. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 896 locations and 1,383 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit fathomevents.com.

About GKIDS

GKIDS is a producer and distributor of award-winning feature animation for both adult and family audiences. Since 2010, the company has scored an astounding nine Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations -- including THE SECRET OF KELLS, A CAT IN PARIS, THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA and BOY AND THE WORLD. GKIDS also handles North American theatrical distribution for Oscar winner Hayao Miyazaki`s famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world`s most coveted animation collections with titles SPIRITED AWAY, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, PRINCESS MONONOKE and others. GKIDS founder and CEO Eric Beckman is also co-founder of New York International Children’s Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying event and North America’s largest film festival for children and teens.

About Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by animation directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and is one of the most successful and well-respected animation studios in the world. Cultivating a creative force of talented directors, animators, and storytellers under the revered brilliance of Miyazaki and Takahata, Studio Ghibli’s films have been praised for their originality, dazzling animation, and epic storytelling. The films have become a beloved part of Japanese popular culture, and have garnered worldwide acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Hayao Miyazaki’s SPIRITED AWAY won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature of 2002 and in 2005 Miyazaki was named one of “the most influential people” by Time Magazine.

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For more information on STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2018, please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan:

• STUDIO GHIBLI FEST Returns to U.S. Cinemas Throughout 2018