Studio Ponoc and Netflix have forged a multi-film partnership to bring animated features from the Japanese prodco to Netflix members around the world as the exclusive global streaming home of its upcoming films. The platform will also present the previously released feature Mary and the Witch’s Flower and three-part shorts collection Modest Heroes in the U.S. from February 1.
The first new release to emerge from this partnership will be The Imaginary, based on the award-winning novel by author A.F. Harrold and illustrated by Emily Gravett, to be released on Netflix worldwide later this year following an exclusive theatrical run in Japan.
Directed by renowned animator Yoshiyuki Momose (Spirited Away), The Imaginary portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger. Their fantastical adventures launched from her attic, lead them to discover a magical world of creatures and places never before seen until a sinister force threatens to destroy their imaginary world and the friendship within it. The film is describes as an unforgettable adventure of love, loss and the healing power of imagination.
Momose previously directed the short Life Ain’t Gonna Lose for Studio Ponoc’s Modest Heroes anthology (2018) as well Tomorrow’s Leaves, commissioned by the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage for the Tokyo 2020 games’ cultural program. The Imaginary is produced in hand-drawn animation implementing “first-of-their-kind techniques of light and shadow.”
Based in Tokyo, Studio Ponoc was founded in 2015 by two-time Oscar-nominated former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura (The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, When Marnie Was There). Nishimura serves as producer on The Imaginary as well.
The name “Studio Ponoc” comes from the Croatian word “ponoć”, which means “midnight,” or the beginning of a new day, reflecting Nishimura’s goal of a new start for globally-appealing animation created in Japan for all audiences around the world. Its debut feature film is the critically acclaimed Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017) by Academy Award-nominated director Hiromasa “Maro” Yonebayashi (The Secret World of Arrietty, When Marnie Was There).
“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,” said Nishimura. “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.”
This announcement follows a year of monumental achievements for Netflix feature animation, including Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and Leo, starring Adam Sandler, making the biggest debut ever for a Netflix animated film.
