GKIDS and Fathom Events Partner to Bring Animated Anthology to Select Theaters Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events press release Official Site: ponoc.jp/eiyu (Japan), fathomevents.com/events/modest-heroes, modestheroes (US) Special Thanks to Jessica Nelson, Katherine Schwappach, Erik Stein and Lucy Rubin #ModestHeroes

Poster art courtesy of GKIDS and Fathom Events. ©2018 STUDIO PONOC

GKIDS, the acclaimed producer and distributor of animation for adult and family audiences, and Fathom Events are proud to announce the U.S. national debut of Studio Ponoc’s animated anthology MODEST HEROES: PONOC SHORT FILMS THEATRE, VOLUME 1 (???????????????????, Chiisana Eiyuu Kani to Tamago to Tomei Ningen, 2018). This feature-length collection of three short films is the latest project from Studio Ponoc, the new Japanese animation studio founded by two-time Academy Award-nominee Yoshiaki Nishimura (THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA, WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE) and featuring many artists from the venerable Studio Ghibli. MODEST HEROES is the studio’s follow-up to last year’s critically acclaimed animated feature MARY AND THE WITCH’S FLOWER (????????, Meari to Majo no Hana), which was also presented in cinemas by Fathom Events and GKIDS. In addition to screening the anthology, attendees will view behind-the-scenes exclusive content on the making of MODEST HEROES. Tickets for MODEST HEROES are available now at fathomevents.com or modestheroes and at participating box offices. MODEST HEROES comes to more than 400 U.S. cinemas on Thursday, January 10 at 7 p.m. local time (in English) and Saturday, January 12 at 12:55 p.m. local time (in Japanese with English subtitles). For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). MODEST HEROES is an ambitious collection of three thrilling tales created by some of the greatest talents working in Japanese animation today. "Studio Ponoc is delighted to partner once again with GKIDS and Fathom Events to bring our Modest Heroes to fans and new audiences in the United States," said Studio Ponoc founder and producer Yoshiaki Nishimura. There are three stories in the anthology, each is produced by Studio Ponoc’s Nishimura. Together, the stories explore ideas of heroism large and small, and the infinite potential of the short film format allows the directors and Studio Ponoc to experiment with breathtaking, action-packed visuals, concise human drama and gorgeous fantasy worlds, in an unforgettable anthology that is further demonstration of the studio’s exciting future.

Scene from KANINI & KANINO, one of three stories in the film. Image courtesy of GKIDS and Fathom Events. ©2018 STUDIO PONOC

In KANINI & KANINO (?????????, Kaniini to Kaniino), directed by Academy Award-nominee Hiromasa Yonebayashi (WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE, MARY AND THE WITCH’S FLOWER), two crab brothers embark on a grand underwater adventure to find their father, after an accident carries him far downstream. Depicted as tiny beings in a large and merciless natural world, the brothers must evade a series of freshwater predators if they are ever to reunite with their family again. In LIFE AIN`T GONNA LOSE (???????, Samurai Eggu), acclaimed animator Yoshiyuki Momose (key animator on Isao Takahata’s films at Studio Ghibli, and animation director of the video game NI NO KUNI) makes his directorial debut with a very different kind of story featuring the voice of Maggie Q (NIKITA, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR). Eight-year-old Shun loves baseball and to run. Only eggs defeat him. With the love of his strong-willed mother (Maggie Q), Shun faces the challenge of an everyday life threatened by a deadly allergy. Lastly, in INVISIBLE (????, Tomei Ningen) -- the directing debut of Akihiko Yamashita, a talented key animator on many of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki’s best-known films -- a man wakes up one morning and goes through his day in a world where no one can see him. But just when he seems to have reached his limit, a momentous decision gives him the chance to reclaim his humanity. “Along with our friends at GKIDS, we brought some of the finest and best-loved Japanese animation to American shores in 2018,” Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. “We are proud to once again partner with GKIDS to kick off 2019 with this wonderful anthology.”

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.