Written by: Allysa Malicdem | Published on: June 17, 2021 at 3:51 PM PHT (GMT+8)
The official website of Goro Miyazaki's anime film adaptation of Diane Wynne Jones’ ‘Earwig and the Witch’ and Studio Ghibli’s first full CG work ‘Aya and the Witch’ (Aya to Majo) has announced on Thursday a new theatrical release date. The film was originally set to launch on April 29 in Japanese theaters, but due to setbacks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the production staff delayed its opening. ‘Aya and the Witch’ is rescheduled for August 27 premiere.
The film is an adaptation of Diane Wynne Jones’ children’s novel ‘Earwig and the Witch’. Jones is also well-known for her young-adult fantasy novel ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’.
Watch the teaser trailer here:
It tells the story of Aya, an orphan at St. Morwald's Home for Children. Her life took a major turn when she was adopted by Bella Yaga and Mandrake. In a house full of spells, mysteries and magic, her cleverness will allow her to discover the realms of the supernatural world and survive in the mean household with the help of a talking cat while seeking out the truth on her parentage.
Cast includes:
Kokoro Hirasawa as Aya
Shinobu Terajima as Bella Yaga
Etsushi Toyokawa as Mandrake
Gaku Hamada as Thomas
Goro Miyazaki was in charge of film direction. Keiko Niwa and Emi Gunji wrote the scripts. Character designing was taken care of by Katsuya Kondou. CG supervision was handled by Yukinori Nakamura. Satoshi Takebe was the film’s music composer, with Kouji Kasamatsu as sound director. Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki produced the film, alongside NHK and NHK Enterprises.
‘Aya and the Witch’ graced Japanese televisions through NHK General on December 30. In the US, screening for the film started on February 3 through GKIDS and Fathom Events. HBO Max also streamed the film, followed by digital releases by GKIDS and on Blu-Ray Disc.
Sources: 'Aya and the Witch' film Official Website | Comic Natalie
