GKIDS has unveiled the official exclusive English-language teaser trailer for acclaimed family anime feature Okko’s Inn, about a pure hearted girl who befriends a colorful cohort of spirits when she goes to work at an ancient healing spa in the countryside. The film premiered at the 2018 Annecy animation fest and screened at Animation Is Film in L.A. in October; it was also selected for the Bucheon Int’l Animation Festival, The New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival and is nominated for the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year. GKIDS will release both the original Japanese version and a new English dub.
About the film:
After losing her parents in a car accident, Okko goes to live in the countryside with her grandmother, who runs a traditional Japanese inn built on top of an ancient spring said to have healing waters. While she goes about her chores and prepares to become the inn’s next caretaker, Okko discovers there are spirits who live there that only she can see – not scary ones, but welcoming ghosts who keep her company, play games and help her navigate her new environment. The inn’s motto is that it welcomes all and will reject none, and this is soon put to the test as a string of new guests challenge Okko’s ability to be a gracious host. But ultimately Okko discovers that dedicating herself to others becomes the key to taking care of herself.
The latest feature from famed anime studio Madhouse and director Kitaro Kosaka, who was a key animator on numerous classic films at the venerable Studio Ghibli, seamlessly blends immersive, idyllic landscapes with the storybook charm of Okko’s beloved ghosts. Okko’s Inn delivers a rare ghost story that –despite several floating characters – is firmly grounded in the trials and joys of humanity.
GKIDS will release Okko’s Inn in theaters April 22 & 23. Sign up to receive updates at gkids.com/films/okkos-inn. You can also keep up on Facebook and Twitter with #OkkosInn.
