GKIDS, the United States distributor of acclaimed anime films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Weathering With You, has received the North American distribution rights to Lonely Castle In The Mirror, directed by Keiichi Hara and adapted from Mizuki Tsujimura’s novel of the same name.
The film held its International Premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, being the first Japanese animated feature to be selected for the festival. It also had its U.S. premiere at the New York International Children’s Film Festival. The film was nominated for the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year, and was released domestically in Japan in December 2022.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror follows shy outcast Kokoro, who discovers a mysterious a portal in her bedroom mirror. Soon, she finds herself transported to an enchanting castle where she is joined by six other students who are invited to play a game. The teens must work together to uncover the mysterious connection that unites them. However, anyone who breaks the rules will be eaten by a wolf. The movie is a heartfelt drama about the pains of growing up and the unlikely bonds that can bring people together.
GKIDS will release Lonely Castle in the Mirror theatrically in both its original Japanese language and an all-new English dubbed version this summer.
“We are thrilled to be able to work again with director Keiichi Hara” said GKIDS President David Jesteadt. “His latest film is a deeply emotional story about the private struggles we all go through, and the small yet joyous connections with others that make life worth living. I can’t wait for North American audiences to join us on a trip to the Lonely Castle in the Mirror.”
GKIDS handles North American distribution for the famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world’s most coveted animation collections with titles Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke and others; as well as the critically acclaimed television series, NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.
Check out the trailer for the upcoming movie down below.
