Hayao Miyazaki

Born in Tokyo in 1941, he graduated in Economy. In 1963 he entered Toei Animation, where he worked until 1971. In 1979 he directed the feature film LUPIN THE THIRD: THE CASTLE OF CAGLIOSTRO. Then he worked on comics. From 1982 to 1994 he signed the stories of NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF WIND, that in 1984 he transformed in an animated film. After this he founded his own production company the Ghibli Studio. With his studio he directed six animated films: MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (1988); PORCO ROSSO (aka THE CRIMSON PIG, 1992); PRINCESS MONONOKE (1997); MIYAZAKI’S SPIRITED AWAY (2001; Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival). He also directed two short films for the Ghibli Museum dedicated, above all to his works. HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE is an adaptation of a classic from English children literature.

Director’s statement

“For the first time one of my films revolves around true love. The film is for all those people who are willing to explore the relationship between children and the elderly. The film in fact revolves around the story of an elderly woman and Markl, a child living in the castle of Howl. One of the characters, the magician was written thinking of myself. He has many of my features, mainly my revulsion for war”.