Fathom Events Brings Documentary on Legendary Japanese Creator Hayao Miyazaki to U.S. Theaters

Fathom Events will team up with GKIDS to bring their documentary on legendary Japanese creator Hayao Miyazaki to theaters in the United States. Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki will focus on the once-retired Japanese director, animator, and co-founder of Studio Ghibli as he returns to create his short film Boro the Caterpillar using CGI for the first time.

Take a look at the trailer:

If you are unfamiliar with Miyazaki, he co-founded Studio Ghibli in 1985 and would go on to direct the highly acclaimed and popular anime films Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbor Totoro. Miyazaki’s Spirited Away won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film in 2003. His success wouldn’t stop there. He would go on to make Howl’s Moving Castle, Ponyo, and The Wind Rises.

Miyazaki would eventually retire at the age of 72 after the release of The Wind Rises. However, his creativity wouldn’t stop there as he would return to work on Boro the Caterpillar using CGI. The documentary will explore Miyazaki’s life and career as he gets back to work on Boro the Caterpillar.

Miyazaki was inspired to make Boro the Caterpillar after he had an encounter with young CGI animators. The director who has been a staunch supporter of hand-drawn animation encounters a number of challenges that threaten to cancel the project. The documentary follows Miyazaki’s life for two years as he struggles to bring Boro the Caterpillar to life.

“The works of Miyazaki have proven to be timeless favorites with anime fans nationwide,” Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. “We have seen time and time again how his works resonate with U.S. audiences, and are proud that our ongoing partnership with GKIDS will bring this engaging documentary to these devoted anime aficionados.”

Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki will be available in over 500 U.S. theaters on Thursday December 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale.