The retirement of Hayao Miyazaki – co-founder of the legendary Studio Ghibli and lifelong maker of extremely, almost unreasonably lovely animated films – was rather short-lived, but when the animation maestro first announced his decision (straight up lie) to bow out, a number of ex-Ghibli employees – led by producer Yoshiaki Nishimura - got together and decided to form Studio Ponoc.
Two years later and anticipation for their first feature film continues to build. Mary and the Witch’s Flower is based on British novelist Mary Stewart’s book, The Little Broomstick, and tells the story of a young girl (Mary) who discovers that, for one night only, she has within her the power to become a witch.
The movie is set to release in Japan this summer, and the latest teaser trailer (complete with English subtitles) is as visually alluring as you’d expect from Ghibli alumni. There’s a taste of esteemed composer Takatsugu Muramatsu’s typically soaring score, as well as what appears to be a talking fox on a broomstick – which is always fine by us.
Have a watch.
