THESE school holidays, audiences are invited to step into the magical world of Studio Ghibli with a film festival at the City of Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Memorial Theatre.
It will be held across Wednesday 21 January and Thursday 22 January and is perfect for children, families and anyone young at heart.
With stories that resonate across generations, these films offer a welcome escape into imagination, wonder and
heartfelt storytelling (and air-conditioning).
Screening at 11am on 21 January, the festival opens with “Arrietty”, a charming tale of a tiny family living unseen beneath the floorboards, whose peaceful life changes when a human boy discovers their secret.
Studio Ghibli’s first feature film, “Castle in the Sky”, follows later that afternoon at 2pm, with a thrilling adventure through a skybound world of floating islands, secret powers and daring escapes.
It features an English-language voice cast including Anna Paquin and Mark Hamill.
On 22 January at 11am, audiences can enjoy “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, a beloved coming-of-age story about a young witch finding independence, confidence and community in a seaside town.
The festival wraps up that afternoon at 2pm with the sweeping fantasy “Howl’s Moving Castle”, where love, bravery and kindness collide against the backdrop of magic and war.
What makes Studio Ghibli films so enduring is not just their beautifully crafted fantasy worlds, but their deeply human core.
Beneath floating castles, talking cats and enchanted landscapes are stories about growing up, finding courage and learning how to navigate a complex world.
These films gently remind us that challenges are part of life and that empathy, resilience and connection can help us
through even the most difficult moments.
Each frame is meticulously hand-drawn, celebrating the quiet beauty of everyday life alongside moments of breathtaking adventure.
Whether you are introducing children or grandchildren to Studio Ghibli for the first time, or revisiting cherished favourites, this festival is a joyful celebration of imagination, courage and storytelling that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
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