Experience The Magic Of Studio Ghibli At The Hayden Orpheum
Image: Still from 'Spirited Away'. Source: TMDB
Few movie studios are beloved as anime-makers Studio Ghibli, who have been wowing the world for 40 years under the direction of Hayao Miyazaki. Coinciding with this anniversary for the studio, the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace are hosting a 9-film retrospective of Studio Ghibli’s work, giving Sydneysiders the first chance in years to see all of these films in the theatre.
Featuring big hits such as Spirited Away and the 4K restoration of Princess Mononoke to lesser seen bangers like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Porco Rosso, this retrospective is a key chance to see these iconic films in the setting they were intended for.
For the Orpheum’s general manager Alex Temesvari, this is exactly why retrospective programs like this thrive. “I always believe that classic and beloved films play best in the shared experience of watching them on the big screen, surrounded by likeminded fans,” he tells City Hub.
“Giving people a chance to revisit these films or perhaps watch them for the first time in this setting is one of the most satisfying things about running a cinema. Connecting the audience with films in this way is a true joy.”
After some very well-received retrospective screenings of other Ghibli films throughout May, Alex says that the Orpheum felt encouraged to do a full retrospective program. “I think the reason these films resonate so much with people is due to their authenticity,” he says.
“The emotional depth combined with the stunning visuals makes them truly special. Miyazaki and his team also trust the audience and don’t speak down to them, allowing for some ambiguity, letting the viewer connect with these films in a deeper way than perhaps most films do.”
The enduring appeal of Studio Ghibli films
Though Alex expects sessions like Howl’s Moving Castle and My Neighbour Totoro to quickly fill, he says: “I’m particularly looking forward to screening the films that don’t always get as much attention. If the early reception to these sessions is strong, we even end up adding more films and extending the retrospective.”
There also couldn’t be a better time for a retrospective after Studio Ghibli entered the cultural consciousness for the wrong reasons earlier this year, owing to a torrent of AI-generated imagery in Miyazaki’s style. Almost as if a pre-emptive response, the work of Miyazaki and Ghibli refute the ‘merits’ of AI by embracing true human creativity.
Alex comments on this: “People are subject to a non-stop barrage of AI images throughout the day on social media, which at their best are lazy and uninspired, and even insidious and deceitful at their worst.
“So I think providing a place where people can interact with real, original and meaningful art like these beautiful, animated films is much needed. People crave a genuine emotional connection with their entertainment and these films provide that.”
The Hayden Orpheum’s Studio Ghibli retrospective runs weekly from August 7th. More information at www.orpheum.com.au/studio-ghibli
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