GKIDS, the acclaimed producer and distributor of animation for adult and family audiences, announced today it has acquired the North American distribution rights for GIOVANNI’S ISLAND, the award-winning historical drama from Production I.G (Ghost in the Shell), and director Mizuho Nishikubo. 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 film at the Fantasia Film Festival.
GKIDS maintains a long history with Production I.G, having distributed the studio’s 2011 feature A Letter to Momo, 2015 feature Miss Hokusai, and 2022 feature The Deer King. GKIDS will release GIOVANNI’S ISLAND on home entertainment platforms this year.
Synopsis
From Production I.G, the studio behind Ghost in the Shell, and director Mizuho Nishikubo comes the award-winning historical drama Giovanni’s Island, winner of the Satoshi Kon Award at the Fantasia Film Festival.
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.