The Academy Museum in Los Angeles is currently hosting a new exhibition that brings to life the whimsical and enchanting world of the 2008 film “Ponyo” by renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. The interactive elements in the exhibition aim to capture the essence of the film and provide visitors with an immersive experience.
“Ponyo” tells the story of a fish-like creature named Ponyo who longs to become a human girl after forming a bond with a young boy named Sosuke, much to the dismay of her wizard father. The exhibition, titled “Studio Ghibli’s PONYO,” opened on February 14 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, following the success of a Miyazaki retrospective at the same venue in 2021.
Curated by Jessica Niebel, the exhibition explores the multi-layered and complex nature of “Ponyo,” which Miyazaki originally intended for a younger audience. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid,” the exhibition features lowered sight lines and interactive elements designed to engage visitors of all ages. One such element is a movable figure of Ponyo running across the waves, along with a large-scale green bucket that children can crawl into, reminiscent of the one Sosuke uses to keep Ponyo safe.
In addition to these interactive displays, the exhibition also includes an animation table where guests can create their own stop-motion film using colorful sea-creature cut-outs designed by Studio Ghibli. Miyazaki’s vision for “Ponyo” was to use only curved lines in the animation, creating a world where magic could exist without the constraints of perspective drawing. This design philosophy is reflected in the exhibition, with circular frames showcasing art boards by Art Director Noboru Yoshida.
One of the standout features of the exhibition is the emphasis on the hand-drawn nature of “Ponyo,” a departure from the computer animation used in previous Ghibli films. Over 100 objects donated by Studio Ghibli, including drawings by Miyazaki, are on display, highlighting the analog process behind the film’s creation. These objects are arranged around a wooden desk used by Ghibli animators, adding a human touch to the immersive experience.
“Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo” is not just a tribute to the film but a captivating journey into its enchanting world. The exhibition invites visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the mesmerizing moments of “Ponyo,” offering a unique perspective on the beloved film. Whether crawling into the oversized green bucket or creating their own animated sea creatures, guests are sure to be enchanted by the magic of Studio Ghibli’s “Ponyo” at the Academy Museum.
