Celebrating 40 Years of Wonder, Heart, and Iconic Storytelling.
For four decades, Studio Ghibli has shaped not just the world of animation, but the way we dream. From timeless heroes to enchanted forests, the legendary Japanese studio has created films that speak across generations, cultures, and borders. This year, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, Ghibli invites fans, old and new, on a journey back to where the magic began.
Raising a generation through their beloved films, Studio Ghibli now invites fans back to their childhood selves, rekindling the wonder and creative spark that first lit their imaginations.
In a pivotal partnership, Studio Ghibli teams up with the Philippines’ own Reality MM Studios to reintroduce a curated selection of Ghibli’s most beloved films to local cinemas. Known for its bold storytelling and genre-defining productions, Reality brings its signature cinematic reverence to the collaboration, offering fans a chance to relive these masterpieces the way they were meant to be seen: on the big screen.
From September 10 to 16, five iconic Studio Ghibli films will screen across participating SM Cinemas, including one title presented in IMAX for the first time in the Philippines.
At the forefront of the lineup is Princess Mononoke, a sweeping environmental epic from Hayao Miyazaki that, in a stunning 4K restoration, premieres exclusively in IMAX as part of Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary celebration. This visually and emotionally charged tale follows San, the fierce warrior raised by wolves, as she battles to protect the natural world from human destruction. Its return in IMAX promises an immersive experience that’s truly larger than life, a rare chance for audiences to witness its artistry and urgency as never before. Equally powerful is Spirited Away, the Oscar‐winning masterpiece and the highest‐grossing film in Japanese history. Directed by the legendary Miyazaki, it tells the enchanting story of Chihiro, a young girl who becomes trapped in a mystical spirit world and must summon her courage to rescue her parents. A lyrical coming‐of‐age journey, Spirited Away remains a cultural touchstone, beloved for its themes of identity, resilience, and transformation. Also featured are fan favorites: Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, a whimsical seaside fable brimming with wonder; The Wind Rises, Miyazaki’s poignant semi‐biographical farewell to filmmaking; and My Neighbor Totoro, the gentle, joyful classic that introduced the studio’s enduring mascot to the world.
But the experience doesn’t end with the films.
The goal of Reality MM Studio President Dondon Monteverde in bringing back the beloved films to the big screen is not just to celebrate, but also to inspire, calling on Filipino animators to ignite their creativity and reach the artistic heights set by Studio Ghibli. To strengthen Monteverde’s vision more, Lunchbox PH, together with SM Cinema, partnered up for the launch of Kalye Ghibli. The activation brings Studio Ghibli’s beloved characters and themes into the vibrant fabric of Filipino childhood. Inspired by traditional street games like patintero, piko, and luksong baka, this interactive activation transforms cinema lobbies into playful playgrounds of nostalgia and cultural identity. Through immersive photo spots, themed installations, and engaging activities, fans can step into a world where Totoro meets the tropics, where fantasy and Filipino heritage collide in delightful harmony. These activations are exclusively available at four SM Cinemas: SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Aura Premiere, offering fans within Metro Manila access to this spirited, one-of-a-kind celebration.
Whether you're revisiting these timeless tales or discovering them for the first time, the Studio Ghibli 40th Anniversary Festival is more than just a film event, it's a love letter to wonder, storytelling, and the enduring magic of imagination.
Screenings run from September 10–16, 2025 in participating SM Cinemas.
For tickets and event details, visit here.