David Farnor | On 30, Jan 2024

Netflix has entered into a long-term partnership with Japanese animation company Studio Ponoc.

Studio Ponoc was founded in 2015 by renowned former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura. The name “Studio Ponoc” comes from the Croatian word “ponoć”, which means “midnight” or the beginning of a new day, reflecting founder Nishimura’s goal of a new start for globally-appealing animation created in Japan that inspires and enthralls all audiences around the world, especially aiming to create films for children to enjoy with their families. Its debut feature film is the critically acclaimed Mary and The Witch’s Flower (2017) by Academy Award-nominated director Hiromasa “Maro” Yonebayashi, also the director of the Studio Ghibli films The Secret World of Arrietty and When Marnie Was There (nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature) .

This new multi-film deal will see Netflix bring animated features from Studio Ponoc to subscribers around the world, making the service the exclusive streaming home of upcoming Studio Ponoc films.

First up out of this partnership is Studio Ponoc’s new animated feature film, The Imaginary, to be released worldwide later this year following an exclusive theatrical run in Japan.

The Imaginary portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger. Their fantastical adventures launched from her attic, lead them to discover a magical world of creatures and places never before seen until a sinister force threatens to destroy their imaginary world and the friendship within it. Directed by renowned animator Yoshiyuki Momose (Spirited Away), The Imaginary is an unforgettable adventure of love, loss, and the healing power of imagination.

Nishimura 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.”

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