Source: GKIDS Inc. press release, Wild Bunch Official Movie Site: yumetokyoki.com (Japan), gkidsfilms.com/kingdom (US)
The new Studio Ghibli documentary, THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS (???????, Yume to Kyoki no Ohkoku, 2013), opens this Friday, November 28th at the IFC Center in New York City. The film offers a fascinating, never-before-seen look inside the quirky and wonderful world of the anime studio behind masterpieces like PRINCESS MONONOKE (?????, Mononoke Hime, 1997), MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (???????, Tonari no Totoro, 1988) and the Oscar-winning SPIRITED AWAY (????????, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001). Granted near-unfettered access to the notoriously insular Studio Ghibli, director Mami Sunada (DEATH OF A JAPANESE SALESMAN) follows the eminent director Hayao Miyazaki, producer Toshio Suzuki and the elusive and influential "other director" Isao Takahata for a year as the studio rushes to complete two films, Miyazaki`s THE WIND RISES (????, Kaze Tachinu, 2013) and Takahata`s THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA (???????, Kaguyahime no Monogatari, 2013). The result is a rare fly-on-the-wall glimpse of the inner workings of one of the world`s most celebrated animation studios and a rare insight into the dreams, passion and singular dedication of these remarkable creators. Plus you get to meet Ushiko, the Studio Ghibli cat! THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS is recommended for ages 7 to adult. The documentary has a running time of 118 minutes and is being shown in Japanese with English subtitles. For screening times and to purchase tickets, visit gkids.tv/films. IFC CENTER - 323 SIXTH AVE (AT WEST THIRD) ELINOR BUNIN MUNROE FILM CENTER - 144 WEST 65TH (LINCOLN CENTER)
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 in 2002 and in 2005 Miyazaki was named one of "the most influential people" by Time Magazine.
About GKIDS
GKIDS is a distributor of award-winning animation for both adult and family audiences. Theatrical releases include Tomm Moore’s Oscar nominated THE SECRET OF KELLS, Michel Ocelot’s acclaimed AZUR & ASMAR, European Film Award Best Animated Feature winner MIA AND THE MIGOO, Nina Paley’s multiple-award-winning SITA SINGS THE BLUES, and Japan Academy Prize winner SUMMER WARS by Mamoru Hosoda. Upcoming GKIDS releases include 2011 Berlin official selection A CAT IN PARIS and Annecy winner ELEANOR`S SECRET. GKIDS is also producer of New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival, North America’s largest festival of film for children and teens. NYICFF is an Oscar-qualifying event and jury members include Uma Thurman, Susan Sarandon, Gus van Sant, Matthew Modine, James Schamus, Michel Ocelot, and Christine Vachon.