A Russian distributor, identified as Russian Interview, has floated a surprising update on its site about a new project from the famed Studio Ghibli creator. Reports indicate that the latest film from Hayao Miyazaki, currently titled How are you?, is slated for a Russian premiere in November. The early buzz suggested a release window, but the precise date remains undisclosed as the project changed hands in online chatter and swiftly faded from the distributor’s page. This quiet period has only fueled anticipation among fans who treat any Miyazaki announcement as a cultural event.
The film has been assigned the working title The Boy and the Bird. This naming choice aligns with Miyazaki’s long-standing tradition of intimate, character-driven storytelling. Even as fans awaited confirmation, the promotion suddenly disappeared from the distributor’s site, leaving many questions about the release plan and promotional strategy. The original listing and subsequent removal sparked speculation about development timelines and distribution tactics in the lead-up to the film’s public unveiling.
On August 15, a short clip from the upcoming anime appeared online, stoking speculation about whether this project might represent the director’s final artistic statement. The narrative is described as exploring the emotional and philosophical growth of a young boy amid a family tragedy, a theme that resonates with the introspective voice Miyazaki has become famous for throughout his career. The adaptation is believed to draw from a 1937 classic work, recasting its core themes into a modern cinematic experience that could connect with both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Studio Ghibli’s executive producer, in communications connected to the project, indicated a deliberate choice to withhold plot specifics. The team decided not to publicize the subject matter before the film’s release, opting for a restrained promotional approach. According to the producer, the decision to keep details under wraps was a collective one that involved the broader studio family founded by Miyazaki. This approach is consistent with a strategy some filmmakers pursue to preserve narrative surprises and ensure audiences encounter the work with fresh eyes when it premieres.
Meanwhile, another project titled The Challenge has made its way into Russia’s box office conversation, appearing to achieve a notable standing in the country’s market during the season. While that film’s performance is a separate thread in the cinematic tapestry, its presence underscores the vibrant and varied landscape of Russian film distribution and the appetite for high-profile animated features from renowned creators. Such attention highlights how contemporary studios balance marketing discretion with public interest, particularly in markets with strong enthusiasm for animated cinema.