On the Croisette, Studio Ghibli will be in the spotlight. A few weeks before the launch of the Cannes Film Festival, from May 14 to 25, the organizers announced for the first time a reward addressed to a
“collective”,
the one founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, forty years ago.
Tomb of the Fireflies,
Princess Mononoke
,
Spirited Away
... Epic and poetic, Ghibli's films are considered masterpieces of cinema, which over forty years have contributed to giving its nobility to Japanese animation.
“For the first time in its history, it is not a person but an institution that we wish to celebrate,”
underline Iris Knobloch, president of the Cannes Film Festival, and Thierry Frémaux, general delegate, in a press release.
Like all cinema icons, these characters populate our imaginations with abundant and colorful universes and sensitive and committed stories.
Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has already said he is “honored” and thanks the Cannes Film Festival
“from the bottom of his heart”
.
“We created Studio Ghibli with the desire to bring high-level, high-quality animated films to children and adults of all ages
,” he recalls.
Today, audiences from all over the world can see our films, and many visitors come to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka and Ghibli Park to experience the world of our films for themselves.”
The palm of honor, awarded out of competition, allows Studio Ghibli to join all the inspirations of the 7th Art, which the Cannes Festival celebrates its debut every year, in 1939. George Lucas will also receive this distinction this year, during of the closing ceremony on May 25.
“The Cannes Film Festival has always held a special place in my heart
,” responded the filmmaker.
I am truly honored by this special recognition which means a lot to me.”