This 40-minute documentary goes behind the scenes at Studio Ponoc to chronicle the making of their debut animated feature film, Mary and the Witch's Flower. Narrated by Hana Sugisaki (the voice of Mary) and Hiroko Kimata, this program follows producer Yoshiaki Nishimura and director Hiromasa Yonebayashi during the production and promotion of their film.
Expect a cameo appearance by Studio Ghibli founders Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki near the end, as the finished movie is shown to Yonebayashi's mentors (Hayao Miyazaki declined to attend, but gave Mary and the Witch's Flower his thumbs-up). All parties involved see Studio Ponoc as the child of Ghibli, and wish for its success. The movie went on to moderate success at the box office; hopefully that was enough to convince investors to support more features (four short film projects are currently in production).
This video does include English subtitles. I wouldn't at all be surprised if this is included as a bonus feature on the inevitable GKIDS Blu-Ray/DVD.
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