GKIDS, the producer and distributor of animated features, has announced the North American re-release of Studio Ghibli’s “The Boy and the Heron.”
This decision follows the film’s historic win for Best Animated Feature at the 2023 Academy Awards. The prestigious accolade was accepted by presenters Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth on behalf of writer and director Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki.
The re-release, set to hit theaters later this month, aims to bring the acclaimed film back to the silver screen, allowing audiences to relive the magic that garnered Miyazaki his second Academy Award.
The press release from GKIDS teases additional details about the re-release.
“The Boy and the Heron” Executive Producer and Studio Ghibli COO Kiyofumi Nakajima conveyed Suzuki’s gratitude at the award ceremony, stating,
“I am very appreciative that the work that was created after overcoming these difficulties has been seen by so many people around the world, and that it has received this recognition.”
Suzuki’s statement emphasized the challenges faced during the seven-year production period, making the acknowledgment at this stage in his career particularly meaningful.
Released in 2023, “The Boy and the Heron” is a captivating tale set in Tokyo, unfolding during the Pacific War. The story follows Mahito Maki, who, following the loss of his mother in a hospital fire, embarks on a journey intertwined with magical kingdoms and fantastical characters.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Mahito encounters a talking Gray Heron, revealing that his mother is still alive.
The film’s return to theaters offers audiences another chance to immerse themselves in the enchanting world created by Studio Ghibli.
As fans eagerly anticipate the re-release, “The Boy and the Heron” continues to leave an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, solidifying its place as an Academy Award-winning masterpiece.
