Netflix is increasing its animation output, striking a multi-film partnership with Japanese animation house Studio Ponoc.
Under the deal, the tech giant will become the exclusive streaming home of upcoming films from Ponoc, which was founded in 2015 by former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura.
The first film out of the gate will be The Imaginary, due to stream later this year following an exclusive theatrical run in Japan.
“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,” said Nishimura in a statement. “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.”
Nishimura founded Ponoc with the goal of creating animation with a global appeal for children and families.
Animation has proven to be an area in which Netflix has found considerable strength and success. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio won the Oscar for best animated feature in 2023, and Leo, starring Adam Sandler, landed the biggest debut ever for a Netflix animated film and stayed in the streamer’s Top 10 list for weeks. This week, its adaptation of ND Stevenson graphic novel Nimona made a come-from-behind leap to earn a best animated Oscar nomination. Netflix has found that animation, be it features or series, also have a high retention and rewatchabilty rate among viewers.
Per the studio, 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 Yoshiyuki Momose, a veteran animator who worked on Studio Ghibli classics such as Spirited Away and Porco Rosso, Imaginary is described as “an unforgettable adventure of love, loss, and the healing power of imagination.”
Check out the teaser poster below.
The Imaginary
Courtesy of Netflix