Template:Short description Template:Infobox film
Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron is a 2024 Japanese documentary film which follows the seven-year production of Hayao Miyazaki's film The Boy and the Heron at Studio Ghibli.[1][2][3] The documentary is directed by Kaku Arakawa.
Themes
The film documents the collaboration between Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki, showcasing their dynamic that mirrors the relationship between the characters Mahito and the Heron.[4]
The documentary also explores Miyazaki's confrontation with mortality. The film captures the director's grief over the loss of his mentor and rival Isao Takahata, and shows the physical changes in Miyazaki himself as he ages into his 80s.[3] It also reveals Miyazaki's struggles during production, including moments of frustration where he questions his own abilities.[5]
Release
The documentary premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and was made available on multiple streaming platforms including Max, Amazon Prime, and Netflix in 117 countries. It was initially aired by NHK in 2023 before being re-edited for its Cannes premiere.[6]