Netflix has acquired the global streaming rights to The Imaginary, an upcoming animated film slate by Studio Ponoc. The Imaginary is set to premiere later this year and will be available for streaming globally on Netflix.
2023 WAS A MONUMENTAL YEAR FOR THE FEATURE ANIMATION AT NETFLIX
Adam Sandler’s Leo broke Netflix’s animated film debut record, while Pinocchio by Guillermo del Toro won the Best Animated Feature Oscar.
THE FUTURE LOOKS EVEN BRIGHTER
Netflix is becoming the exclusive streaming home of upcoming Studio Ponoc films.
Studio Ponoc and Netflix have created a multi-film partnership to bring animated features from Studio Ponoc to Netflix members around the world.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STUDIO PONOC
Studio Ponoc is an animation studio located in Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 2015 by Yoshiaki Nishimura, a former producer at Studio Ghibli who has been nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for his work on The Tale of The Princess Kaguya and When Marnie Was There.
Studio Ponoc gets its name from the Croatian word “ponoć,” which means “midnight” or the start of a new day. The founder of Studio Ponoc, Nishimura, wanted to create a fresh beginning for Japanese animation that appeals to a global audience and captivates all viewers worldwide. The studio aims to create films that families can enjoy together, especially for children.
YOSHIAKI NISHIMURA ON THE NETFLIX PARTNERSHIP
Yoshiaki Nishimura, Founder of Studio Ponoc and Producer of The Imaginary, says: “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, THE FIRST FEATURE OF THE PARTNERSHIP
The Imaginary will be released worldwide later this year following an exclusive theatrical run in Japan.
The animation film is based on the novel of the same name by A.F. Harrold and illustrated by Emily Gravett.
The hand-drawn animation of The Imaginary is elevated by innovative techniques of light and shadow.
LOGLINE
The Imaginary portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger. Their fantastic adventures launched from her attic leading them to discover a magical world of creatures and places never before seen until a sinister force threatens to destroy their imaginary world and its friendship.
Directed by animator Yoshiyuki Momose (Spirited Away), The Imaginary is an unforgettable adventure of love, loss, and the healing power of imagination. Yoshiaki Nishimura serves as producer.