The Studio Ghibli Film Festival comes to Perth on November 21 and over 18 days shows 15 iconic titles from the legendary Japanese anime studio – Studio Ghibli.
All films are shown at the newly restored, heritage-listed Como Theatre (formally the Cygnet Theatre) and presented on 35mm film.
This is an Australia first. Studio Ghibli has produced some of the world’s most popular animated films and is a dream for anyone who loves great film, Japanese culture and anime.
It’s a rare opportunity to indulge in these beloved films as they were meant to be seen – on the big screen and in their original Japanese language with English subtitles. For those who prefer to experience the magic of Studio Ghibli in English, select dubbed screenings are also available. Screenings will take place at various times of day with both matinees and evening screenings to cater for all ages and preferences.
1: My Neighbour Totoro (G)
Arguably Studio Ghibli’s most iconic film, My Neighbor Totoro is a 1988 animated film about two sisters who move to the Japanese countryside to be near their hospitalized mother and discover magical forest creatures. At the heart of this beloved classic lies Totoro, a giant, fluffy forest spirit who captures the whimsy and warmth of childhood wonder and remains an icon in pop culture to this day.
Sessions: Sat Nov 21 (6.30pm); Sat Nov 30 (2.30pm)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Run Time: 86 mins
Released: 1988
2: Princess Mononoke (M)
Acclaimed globally, the film broke box office records in Japan and solidified Studio Ghibli’s legacy as a cinematic powerhouse. Set during the 14th Century, the Muromachi period of Japan, Princess Mononoke tells the story of Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by the hatred of a dying boar god, who has been corrupted by an iron ball lodged in his body.
Times: 11:40 am
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Run Time: 94 mins
Released: 2010
Dates: Sat November 23 – Sun December 8
3: The Secret World of Arrietty (G)
The Secret World of Arrietty is a 2010 film about a family of tiny people who live Hidden beneath the floorboards of a suburban home. When the curious Arrietty is discovered by a human boy, her life takes a thrilling and risky turn. This beautifully crafted story is a celebration of resilience, courage, and the unseen wonders around us.
Dates: Sat November 23 – Sun December 8
Times: 11:40 am
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Run Time: 94 mins
Released: 2010
4: Ponyo (G)
Since its release in 2008, Ponyo has enchanted audiences worldwide, receiving several awards for its incredible story, environmental message and visual beauty. Inspired by The Little Mermaid, the story follows the magical adventure of a goldfish princess who yearns to become human after meeting a young boy named Sosuke.
Dates: Sat November 23 – Sun December 8
Times: 1:45 pm
Director: Hayao MiyazakI
Genre: Adventure
Run Time: 115 mins
Released: 2008
Dates: Sat November 23 – Sun December 8
Times: 1:45 pm
5: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (PG)
This landmark 1984 film follows Princess Nausicaä, a fearless young leader who strives to bring peace to a post-apocalyptic world threatened by toxic jungles and warring factions. A visionary piece that set the foundation for Studio Ghibli, Nausicaä is revered for its powerful environmental themes and complex characters. Director Miyazaki’s magnum opus and the studio’s genesis, this film is a must-see for anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted storytelling with a message as relevant today as ever.
Dates: Sat November 23 – Sat December 7
Times: 4:00 pm
Director: Hayao MiyazakI
Genre: Adventure / Fantasy
Run Time: 117 mins
Released: 1984
6: Spirited Away (PG)
An international sensation, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and redefining animation on a global scale, Spirited Away is praised for its richly imaginative world and deep symbolism. The story follows a 10-year-old girl who accidentally stumbles into a dazzling and eerie world ruled by spirits, witches, and strange creatures. To save her parents and return to her own world, she must summon bravery she never knew she had.
Dates: Sat November 23 – Sat December 7
Times: 6:30 pm
Director: Isao Takahata
Genre: Adventure / Fantasy
Run Time: 135 mins
Released: 2001
7: The Cat Returns (G)
After saving a mysterious cat, high schooler Haru is whisked away to the Cat Kingdom, where she’s treated like royalty—and asked to marry the prince! A delightful spinoff of Whisper of the Heart (another Ghibli film in the 2024 program), this whimsical adventure takes her on a magical journey of self-discovery, complete with talking cats, strange realms, and laughter around every corner.
Dates: Sun November 24 – Sat December 7
Times: 12:00 pm
Director: Hiroyuki Morita
Genre: Adventure / Comedy
Run Time: 75 mins
Released: 2002
8: Only Yesterday (PG)
A city woman’s journey to the countryside becomes a nostalgic dive into her childhood memories. As she revisits her past and embraces the peaceful rhythm of rural life, she confronts the dreams and disappointments of her youth. Poignant and beautifully relatable, this tale resonates with anyone yearning for simplicity and self-acceptance.
Dates: Sun November 24 – Sun December 8
Times: 1:15 pm
Director: Isao Takahata
Genre: Adventure / Fantasy
Run Time: 119 mins
Released: 1991
9: Whisper of the Heart (G)
Praised for its honest portrayal of teenage life, Whisper of the Heart follows an aspiring young writer embarking on a life-changing quest after discovering someone has borrowed all the same library books as her. This touching coming-of-age story explores creativity, young love, and the magic of finding inspiration in the most unexpected places.
Playing only once!
Date: Sun November 24
Time: 4:15 pm
Director: Yoshifumi Kondô
Genre: Family / Romance
Run Time: 111 mins
Released: 1995
10: Castle In The Sky (G)
Castle in the Sky was Studio Ghibli’s first official release, marking the beginning of their celebrated legacy. When orphan Sheeta finds herself the target of pirates and government agents, she teams up with a brave boy named Pazu to uncover the secrets of Laputa, a legendary floating island. With its sweeping landscapes, inventive machines, and timeless themes of adventure and resilience, Castle in the Sky set the standard for the studio’s cornerstone director Miyazaki’s future masterpieces.
Dates: Sun November 24 – Sun December 1
Times: 6:30 pm
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Adventure / Fantasy
Run Time: 124 mins
Released: 1986
11: Kiki’s Delivery Service (G)
In this whimsical tale, young witch Kiki moves to a new town to begin her year of independence and starts a flying delivery service. But when self-doubt clouds her powers, she must learn to trust herself to regain her magic. This beloved film has inspired generations with its endearing protagonist and universal message of resilience.
Playing only once!
Date: Fri November 29
Time: 6:30 pm
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Adventure / Fantasy
Run Time: 102 mins
Released: 1989
12: Porco Rosso (PG)
Porco Rosso is a unique story of courage and humour, featuring a WWI fighter pilot turned bounty-hunting pig. Set against the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, aerial thrills are merged with themes of love and redemption as hebattles sky pirates and personal demons in 1930s Italy. With its unique mix of adventure, romance, and humour, Porco Rosso has remained a fan favourite for its charm, action and iconic anti-hero.
Dates: Sat November 30 – Fri December 6
Times: 4:30 pm
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Adventure / Fantasy
Run Time: 94 mins
Released: 1992
13: Howl’s Moving Castle (PG)
Garnering international acclaim and an Oscar nomination upon it’s release, Howls Moving Castle follows a young woman cursed by a spell as she embarks on a journey of love and transformation with the enigmatic wizard Howl. Howl’s Moving Castle dazzles with its stunning animation and anti-war themes. Based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones, this 2004 film is a spellbinding story of courage and compassion, a true feast for the senses in 35mm.
Dates: Sat November 30 – Sat December 7
Times: 6:30 pm
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Family / Fantasy
Run Time: 119 mins
Released: 2004
14: Pom Poko (PG)
When their forest home is threatened by urban development, a group of magical raccoon dogs, or tanuki, use their shape-shifting abilities in a humorous yet heartfelt battle to save it. Both a cultural delight and an environmental message, Pom Poko celebrates community, tradition, and the fight to preserve nature.
Playing only once!
Date: Sun December 1
Time: 4:30 pm
Director: Isao Takahata
Genre: Comedy / Drama
Run Time: 119 mins
Released: 1994
15: Tales from Earthsea (M)
Inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin’s beloved fantasy novels, Tales from Earthsea is set in a land fraught with turmoil and features young Prince Arren, who flees his home after a shocking crime and soon finds himself entangled with a wizard trying to halt a dark force bent on immortality. Epic in scale and steeped in mystery, this tale dives into the struggle between light and darkness, both in the world and within oneself.
Playing only once!
Date: Sun December 8
Time: 4:00 pm
Director: Goro Miyazaki
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Run Time: 115 mins
Released: 2006
About the Presenters
The Studio Ghibli Film Festival is a collaboration of The Preston St Arts Collective and Revival House Perth and all films are being shown at the historical Como Theatre (formally the Cygnet Theatre).
The Studio Ghibli Film Festival is a collaboration of The Preston St Arts Collective and Revival House Perth and all films are being shown at the historical Como Theatre (formally the Cygnet Theatre).
Revival House is a new local company created for the purpose of preserving and celebrating the history of the heritage listed Como Theatre (formerly known as the Cygnet Cinema). Built in 1938 by film entrepreneur James Stiles, the Como Theatre was the first purpose-built sound cinema in the suburbs, setting the stage for a rich cinematic legacy in the heart of Perth.
Our mission is to reconnect audiences with the magic and nostalgia of classic cinema by screening movies in their original film formats. By showcasing works from 16mm and 35mm film prints, we ensure an authentic experience that transcends the limitations of modern digital projections. Our commitment to preserving these cinematic gems not only honours the beloved traditions of the past but also invites a new generation to appreciate the craftsmanship and soul of film.
As you settle into your seat at The Como Theatre, you immerse yourself in a world where storytelling and visual artistry converge on the grand screen. Our carefully curated selections pay tribute to the golden age of cinema, allowing audiences to relish the timeless performances, stunning cinematography, and evocative soundtracks that have shaped the film industry. Here, the film reel spins, bringing to life tales that have enchanted viewers around the world. We invite you to join us in celebrating the legacy of film, where every screening is a communal experience that rekindles the spirit of classic storytelling.
Festival Schedule
November 21
- 6:30pm: My Neighbour Totoro (subtitles)
November 22
- 6:30pm: Princess Mononoke (subtitles)
November 23
- 11:40am: The Secret World of Arrietty (English dubbed)
- 1:45pm: Ponyo (subtitles)
- 4:00pm: Whisper of the Heart (subtitles)
- 6:30pm: Castles in the Sky (subtitles)
November 24
- 12:00pm: The Cat Returns (subtitles)
- 1:45pm: Only Yesterday (subtitles)
- 4:15pm: Whisper of the Heart (subtitles)
- 6:30pm: Castles in the Sky (subtitles)
November 28
- 6:30pm: Ponyo (subtitles)
November 28
- 6:30pm: Kiki’s Delivery Service (subtitles)
November 30
- 10:45am: Spirited Away (English dubbed)
- 2:30pm: My Neighbour Totoro (subtitles)
- 4:30pm: Porco Rosso (subtitles)
- 6:30pm: Howl’s Moving Castle (subtitles)
December 1
- 11:00am: Howl’s Moving Castle (English dubbed)
- 2:30pm: Castles in the Sky (subtitles)
- 4:30pm: Pom Poko (subtitles)
- 6:30pm: The Secret World of Arrietty (subtitles)
December 5
- 6:30pm: Princess Mononoke (subtitles)
December 6
- 6:30pm: Porco Rosso (subtitles)
December 7
- 12:00pm: Howl’s Moving Castle (subtitles)
- 2:30pm: Spirited Away (subtitles)
- 5:20pm: The Cat Returns (subtitles)
- 6:30pm: Nausicca of the Valley of The Wind (subtitles)
December 8
- 11:45am: Ponyo (English dubbed)
- 2:00pm: The Secret World of Arrietty (English dubbed)
- 4:00pm:Tales from Earthsea (subtitles)
- 6:30pm: Only Yesterday (subtitles)
