The co-founder of Studio Ghibli and director Isao Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, Pom Poko) has revealed what his next film will be.
Takata has received the Honorific Leopard award at the 62nd Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland, and it was there he gave first news that his long awaited new film.
As reported by Ghibliworld.com, the film will be based on the classic Japanese folktale Taketori Monogatari (The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter). The 10th century tale, known by virtually every Japanese child, revolves around a princess named Kaguya who was discovered as a baby inside the stalk of a glowing bamboo plant.
Takahata has not directed a film since My Neighbours the Yamadas in 1999, so we're exceptionally excited for Ghibli's other master director to bring a new vision to screens. The fairytale setting is sure to be perfect for another beautiful animated world. Taketori Monogatari has been hugely influential on other manga and anime stories, Sailor Moon and Inuyasha among them.
It's an exciting time for Ghibli fans, as the studio has confirmed that after the soon to release Ponyo, both Takahata and Goro Miyazaki have new films in the works.
