Studio Ghibli Fest 2023 returns to Florida with lineup of 10 fan favorites

My Neighbor Totoro © 1988 Studio Ghibli Photo by Studio Ghibli

​A partnership between companies GKIDS and Fathom Events has brought iconic Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki's full feature catalog back to cinemas across the US. The festivities for Studio Ghibli Fest 2023 kicked off on March 25th, celebrating their series of animated masterpieces and the 35th Anniversary of My Neighbor Totoro; with screenings of the film seen through the end of March. In April, North America also witnessed its first-ever showings of Spirited Away: Live on Stage; but 9 more films still remain in the lineup, including screenings of one coming up this weekend at participating Florida theaters.

“We’re excited to partner with GKIDS and honor Hayao Miyazaki this year by bringing his collective body of work to the big screen." said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. "He has always been a leader, visionary, and inspiration to fans and critics alike..."

This year's Studio Ghibli Fest includes several anniversary titles. Alongside the 35th Anniversary screenings of My Neighbor Totoro, Sunshine Staters can catch the 15th Anniversary screenings of Ponyo May 7, 8, and 10, and 10th Anniversary screenings of The Wind Rises on August 21 and 23.

With GKIDS also celebrating its 15th anniversary this year they worked to expand Studio Ghibli Fest 2023 to include more screening dates and meet increased fan demand. When Uncovering Florida searched by zip code, we were able to see that Tampa Bay alone features a decent selection of participating Regal and AMC locations for all 10 films.

Each of the aired animated films will be aired in both the original Japanese with subtitles and English Dubs, as well as include exclusive scenes from the documentary series 10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki.

While Floridians may have already missed out on screenings of the beloved My Neighbor Totoro, you can still catch Ponyo, Kiki's Delivery Service, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, Porco Rosso, The Wind Rises, Howl's Moving Castle, and Spirited Away at select theaters, dates, and times throughout the end of the year.

The full showing schedule for Studio Ghibli Fest 2023 can be seen below; all listings are in local time.

Ponyo — 15th Anniversary

• Sunday, May 7 at 4 pm (English Dubbed) and 7 PM (English Dubbed)
• Monday, May 8 at 7 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)
• Wednesday, May 10 at 7 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)

Kiki’s Delivery Service

• Sunday, June 11 at 4 pm (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)
• Monday, June 12 at 7 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)
• Wednesday, June 14 at 7 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

• Sunday, July 9 at 4 pm (English Dubbed)
• Tuesday, July 11 at 7 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)

Castle in the Sky

• Monday, July 10 at 7 pm (English Dubbed)
• Wednesday, July 12 at 7 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)

Princess Mononoke

• Saturday, August 5 at 3 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)
• Sunday, August 6 at 4 pm (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)
• Monday, August 7 at 7 pm (English Dubbed)
• Tuesday, August 8 at 7 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)
• Wednesday, August 9 at 7 pm (English Dubbed) 

Porco Rosso

• Sunday, August 20 at 4 pm (English Dubbed)
• Tuesday, August 22 at 7 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)

The Wind Rises — 10th Anniversary 

• Monday, August 21 at 7 pm (English Dubbed)
• Wednesday, August 23 at 7 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)

Howl’s Moving Castle

• Saturday, September 23 at 3 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)
• Sunday, September 24 at 4 pm (Japanese with Subtitles) and 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)
• Monday, September 25 at 7 pm (English Dubbed)
• Tuesday, September 26 at 7 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)
• Wednesday, September 27 at 7 pm (English Dubbed)

Spirited Away

• Saturday, October 28 at 3 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)
• Sunday, October 29 at 4 pm (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed) 
• Monday, October 30 at 7 pm (English Dubbed)
• Tuesday, October 31 at 7 pm (Japanese with Subtitles)
• Wednesday, November 1 at 7 pm (English Dubbed)

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Tickets for Studio Ghibli Fest 2023's showings can be purchased online now by visiting GhibliFest.com, selecting the film you want to see, and entering your zip code to find participating theaters in Florida and across the US near you.
Article by Rachael Volpe