Overview
The films of Studio Ghibli have often been praised for their artistic imagery, thoughtful stories and quirky characters.
But beyond the surface, they also possess strong themes on social issues, family, the environment and the state of the world.
This talk will explore the origins of the studio and its legendary director Miyazaki Hayao, the “continuity” found within his early work, his “re-invention” with Mononoke-hime, and how the films manage to blend together mythology, storytelling and a healthy dose of politics and philosophy into a product that defies the label of “simply animation.”
Gallery
About the Speaker
Charles Dunbar
Cultural Anthropologist
Charles Dunbar is a cultural anthropologist whose interests lie at the intersection of sacred, media and fan cultures. An avid fan since High School, he has presented on topics related to anime and Japanese culture at over 30 events and conventions, including Anime NEXT, Katsucon, and New York Comic Con, and has been a featured presenter at Anime Boston and Otakon. In addition to his lectures, Charles also writes for several websites and blogs, and is currently editing two books on fan perspectives and convention culture.
