Available on February 21, 2023
From Production I.G, the studio behind Ghost in the Shell and The Deer King, and director Mizuho Nishikubo comes the award-winning historical drama Giovanni’s Island. The beautiful, hand-drawn film will bow on Blu-ray™ and all major digital platforms on February 21, 2023 from GKIDS, with distribution by Shout! Factory. The 2014 feature garnered fourteen recognitions worldwide, including the Jury distinction at the 2014 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, both Children’s and Adult Jury Prizes at the 31st Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, and the Satoshi Kon Award for best animated feature at the Fantasia Film Festival. Giovanni’s Island includes illuminating bonus features, including a Making Of, an interview with voice actress Polina Ilyushenko, the “Troika” music video, and an art gallery.
Brothers Junpei and Kanta live in Shikotan, a tiny fishing island that has been spared from the devastations of World War II. The two children are named after Giovanni and Campanella from their late mother’s favorite book, Night on the Galactic Railroad, which becomes a source of solace in the aftermath of Japan’s defeat. When Soviet forces arrive with their families to settle in the island, Junpei meets Tanya, the daughter of the commander. Despite their language barrier and growing tension, the children soon form an unlikely friendship.
BONUS FEATURES
- Making Of
- Interview with Polina Ilyushenko
- “Troika” Music Video
- Art Gallery