Apr 25, 2024

Studio Ponoc's "The Imaginary" to be available on Netflix July 5

Studio Ponoc's "Imaginary" will be available on Netflix on July 5.

"Imaginary" is directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, a veteran of Studio Ghibli who has storyboarded and animated films such as "Grave of the Fireflies," "Porco Rosso," "Princess Mononoke" and "Spirited Away." Momose also directed the "Life Ain't Gonna Lose" segment of Ponoc's anthology film "Modest Heroes" and the studio's official Olympic short "Tomorrow's Leaves" He directed the 2019 feature film "Ni No Kuni," which was released in 2019.

"Imaginary" is the first new film to be distributed by Netflix, which has signed a deal to become the exclusive streaming destination for Studio Ponoc's animated feature films. Studio Ponoc was founded in 2015 by former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura, who was twice nominated for Academy Awards for "The Tale of Princess Kaguya" and "Marnie: A Memoir".

According to the official synopsis, Studio Ponoc's "Imaginary," adapted from A.F. Harold's novel of the same name and illustrated by Emily Gravett, depicts the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Ludgar. An imaginary adventure that begins in an attic leads them to discover a magical world filled with creatures and places they have never seen before, until evil forces nearly destroy the imaginary world and the friendships within it. The film has been described as "an unforgettable adventure about love, loss, and the healing power of imagination."

Producers state that the hand-drawn animation is enhanced by "world-first techniques of light and shadow."