The Imaginary Anime Film and Studio Ponoc Land New Global Distribution Deal

Netflix and Studio Ponoc announced today a new deal that will see the studio's current and upcoming films exclusively distributed on the service. The Imaginary — Studio Ponoc's latest movie released in Japan on December 15 last year — will stream on the platform later this year, with no specific date announced at the time of reporting. A new teaser key art was also released. Studio Ponoc founder and producer Yoshiaki Nishimura released the following statement regarding the new agreement in a press release: "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. 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." The Imaginary is based on A.F. Harrold's children's novel of the same name, published in 2014. Yoshiyuki Momose — who worked as a main animator for many Studio Ghibli films, including Only Yesterday (1991), Pom Poko (1994), Princess Mononoke (1997), and Spirited Away (2001) — directed the film. Netflix describes the movie: Studio Ponoc's 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. Directed by renowned animator Yoshiyuki Momose (Spirited Away), The Imaginary is an unforgettable adventure of love, loss, and the healing power of imagination. Source : Press Release

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