GKIDS’ Studio Ghibli Fest Purrs on with ‘The Cat Returns’; ‘Lady Nikuko’ Snags More Screens

Studio Ghibli Fest 2022 keeps the animated classics coming this month, as the lovable “hidden gem” The Cat Returns enjoys a second life on the big screen for its 20th anniversary. The fantatical adventure starring The Baron from Whisper of the Heart will play in select theaters nationwide on June 26 & 27; tickets are available here.

Directed by Hiroyuki Morita, The Cat Returns (2002) begins when quiet suburban schoolgirl Haru comes to the aid of a curious, talking cat. Her good deed attracts the attentnion of the King of Cats and his retinue, and Haru finds herself whisked away to a magical feline kingdom as the cat prince’s betrothed!

The Cat Returns

Upcoming Studio Ghibli Fest engagements presented by GKIDS and Fathom Events also include:

• Kiki’s Delivery Service – July 31, August 1 & 3
• Only Yesterday – August 28 & 29
• Howl’s Moving Castle – September 25, 26 & 28
• Spirited Away – October 30, November 1 & 2

Tickets and participating theater info available at ghiblifest.com.

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko

GKIDS also announced additional theatrical engagements for the U.S. release of Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko, directed by Ayumu Watanabe (Children of the Sea) and produced by STUDIO4°C.  Opening today (Friday, June 3), the heartwarming comedy-drama introduces viewers to an unconventional little family and the bonds they share in a sleepy seaside town.

Brash single mother Nikuko is well-known for her bold spirit, much to the embarrassment of Kikuko, her pensive yet imaginative daughter. In contrast to her mother, Kikuko wants nothing more than to fit in as she navigates the everyday social dramas of middle school. Life in the harbor is peaceful until a shocking revelation from the past threatens to uproot the pair’s tender relationship.

In addition to previously announced cinemas in Albuquerque/Santa Fe, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, New York City, Orlando, San Angelo, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle/Tacoma, Tulsa and Washington DC, fans in the following newly added venues will have a chance to enjoy this magical-realism romp:

• Bakersfield, CA – Valley Plaza 16
• Eugene, OR – Roseburg Cinemas
• Honolulu, HI – Consolidated Pearlridge West 16
• Las Vegas, NV – Galaxy Boulevard Mall
• Los Angeles, CA – NEW – Galaxy Mission Grove, AMC Empire 25 (with IMAX, Dolby, Prime)
• Phoenix, AZ – Majestic Chandler 9
• Reno, NV – Galaxy Victorian 12 + DFX

See the earlier list of theaters here.

More information at NikukoMovie.com.