GKIDS presents the worldwide debut of the first English language video asset for Studio Ghibli’s THE BOY AND THE HERON, the highly anticipated new film from the legendary Academy Award-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. Until now, in an unprecedented decision by Studio Ghibli, no footage or trailers for the film had been made available to the public prior to its exclusive Japan theatrical opening in July. Characterized as a “pre-teaser,” this video introduces the film’s story and is available on GKIDS’ social media handles @GKIDSFilms on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.
Additionally, THE BOY AND THE HERON pre-teaser reveals that first-look footage from the film will be unveiled next week in GKIDS’ first official English language teaser trailer. This second video asset debuts Wednesday, September 6 in advance of the film’s international premiere as the Opening Night Gala of the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday, September 7. GKIDS will release THE BOY AND THE HERON theatrically in North America later this fall.
The hand-drawn, animated feature film—director Miyazaki’s first feature film in 10 years—is an original story written and directed by Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki and produced by his longtime company partner/co-founder and Academy Award nominee Toshio Suzuki. It features a musical score from Miyazaki’s long-time collaborator Joe Hisaishi, and the film’s theme song, “Spinning Globe,” was penned and performed by global J-pop superstar Kenshi Yonezu.
Tickets to all festival screenings for THE BOY AND THE HERON for the 48th Toronto International Film Festival sold out in record time. This fall, the film makes its US premiere at the New York Film Festival, its European premiere at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, and its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.
About Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli is one of the most acclaimed and influential animation studios in the world, inspiring filmmakers and audiences alike over the last 30 years with beloved stories and breathtaking visuals. Under the brilliance of visionary animation directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki, the studio’s films are known for timeless classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Ponyo; and have won countless international awards including an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature for Spirited Away, as well as five additional Oscar® nominations for Howl’s Moving Castle, The Wind Rises, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, When Marnie Was There, and The Red Turtle. Director and studio co-founder Hayao Miyazaki was separately given an Honorary Award at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Governors Awards in 2014, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures paid tribute to his artwork with a special exhibit when the Museum opened in September 2021.
About GKIDS
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, GKIDS is the producer and distributor of artist-driven and award-winning animation from around the world. The company has scored an astounding 12 Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations with The Secret of Kells in 2010, A Cat in Paris and Chico & Rita in 2012, Ernest & Celestine in 2014, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya and Song of the Sea in 2015, Boy and the World and When Marnie Was There in 2016, My Life as a Zucchini in 2017, The Breadwinner in 2018, Mirai in 2019, and Wolfwalkers in 2021. GKIDS handles North American distribution for the famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world’s most coveted animation collections with the titles Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke and others; as well as the critically acclaimed television series, NEON GENESIS EVANGELION. Also, GKIDS is the founder and host of ANIMATION IS FILM, the annual LA-based film festival which embraces animation as a cinematic art form, and is a vocal advocate for filmmakers who push the boundaries of the medium to its fullest range of artistic expressions. www.gkids.com
