Free screening of Studio Ghibli films, to happen in November

ATTENTION, all Studio Ghibli fans! This coming November 16 to 17, you can watch your favorite Hayao Miyazaki films free of charge at the Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Cinema.

To celebrate director Hayao Miyazaki being lauded as the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, the following films will be available for viewing:

1. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

This film follows the adventures of young Princess Nausicaä, who resides in the Valley of the Wind. In this post-apocalyptic world, the planet is in ruins, caused by war and pollution. 

In an attempt to save her planet, Nausicaä does everything she can to stop the ongoing war, hoping to salvage what little she and her people have left. 

2. Castle in the Sky (1986)

“Castle in the Sky” is centered around the journey of two young orphans named Pazu and Sheeta. Here, Sheeta is being chased by pirates because of her mysterious crystal amulet which can supposedly help one find Laputa, a castle in the sky that has been heard of only in legends.

This film serves as the first one produced by Studio Ghibli, as “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” was created before the studio was founded in 1985. However, it is still considered as part of their filmography. 

3. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

After moving to the countryside with their father, sisters Satsuki and Mei start to meet strange beings and go through supernatural occurences in their new home, such as encountering the susu-atari or the soot sprites, and befriending huge, furry, and lovable creatures called the Totoros. 

With their mother in the hospital, and with the film being set in the 50s, it serves as a reflection of a post-war Japan, as well as a family trying to make the best of the situation despite the circumstances at hand.

4. Spirited Away (2001)

“Spirited Away” follows a girl named Chihiro, who is dealing with leaving her friends behind as she and her family move to a new home.

On the way, however, her parents make a stop at an amusement park, not knowing that it is actually the entrance to the world of the “kami”. In a flash, Chihiro’s life changes as her parents turn into pigs, and she is taken in to work at a bathhouse for the witch Yubaba. 

Chihiro then has to face this new world with grit and determination as she works to free both herself and her parents and get back to the real world.

5. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Sophie has followed the same routine almost her entire life, working at her father’s shop. 

Her world turns upside down, however, when she is cursed by a witch, searching for refuge in the moving castle of a man named Howl, and his companions, Markl and Calcifer. 

Of her own accord, she starts working for Howl, accompanying him on all his different adventures and learning more and more about the mysterious man in the process.

6. Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008)

“Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea” is a heartwarming film that follows a young boy named Sosuke, who finds a mysterious looking goldfish that later transforms into a girl named Ponyo, who escaped from her father after realizing that she wanted to become a human.

Soon enough, Ponyo finds herself falling for Sosuke, and the two are ready to face all forces of nature who may come and try to tear them apart.

This event is presented by Studio Ghibli alongside The Japan Foundation, Manila and the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, and is supported by Shangri-La Plaza and Fully Booked. 

Tickets will be available for purchase on November 4. Be sure to save this link for future reference!