Netflix continues to expand its Japanese animation catalog. It already includes nearly all of Studio Ghibli's catalog and several films from Makoto Shinkai, including Suzume, his latest work. And soon, it will exclusively release The Imaginary, from Studio Ponoc. A charming tale of friendship and adventure filled with magic that already has its first trailer and release date.
'The Imaginary' from Studio Ponoc arrives on Netflix this summer
Studio Ponoc, founded in 2015 by Yoshiaki Nishimura, former lead producer at Studio Ghibli, brought us the acclaimed film Mary and the Witch’s Flower years ago (also available on Netflix). And soon, it hopes to enchant us with its latest hand-drawn fantasy film: The Imaginary.
Directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, The Imaginary is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by A.F. Harrold, illustrated by Emily Gravett, and tells the adventures of two friends as they explore fantastical realms and face threats that test their friendship.
The story centers on Amanda, a girl with boundless creativity, and Rudger, her invisible friend created from Amanda's imagination. Their fantastic adventures, starting from her attic, lead them to discover a magical world of creatures and places never seen before: The Town of Imaginaries. Until a sinister force threatens to destroy their imaginary world and the friendship within it.
Selected for the main competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and aiming for an Oscar-qualifying run, the release of The Imaginary on Netflix is part of an exclusive deal with the platform that will bring more films from the studio directly to our homes.
The Imaginary is set to premiere on July 5 on Netflix and promises to be not only a visually stunning journey thanks to Momose's talent, who also worked on Studio Ghibli's hit "Spirited Away", but also aims to delve into universal themes such as friendship, creativity, and resilience against adversity.
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