This special screening brings together two of FACETS’ cornerstone programs—The Chicago International Children’s Film Festival and Anime Club—to celebrate the power of animated storytelling across cultures and generations. My Neighbor Totoro perfectly bridges the festival’s commitment to thoughtful, age-appropriate global cinema with Anime Club’s passion for iconic Japanese animation. Whether you’re a lifelong Ghibli fan or introducing a new generation to the magic of Miyazaki, this event invites families and anime lovers alike to experience the joy of shared discovery on the big screen.
Showtimes
Sunday, June 1
1:00pm – Pre-screening activities with Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
1:30pm – Film screening
Ticketing
$12 /Single Ticket
$40 /4-Ticket Bundle
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Single Tickets
4-Ticket Bundle
On Sunday, June 1st, the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival and Anime Club present a screening of My Neighbor Totoro (1988) a beloved animated masterpiece from Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki and the legendary Studio Ghibli.
This timeless film tells the enchanting story of Satsuki and her younger sister Mei, who move to the countryside with their father while their mother recovers in a nearby hospital. As they adjust to their new surroundings, the girls discover that the woods around their home are filled with magical beings—none more memorable than the gentle, furry forest spirit known as Totoro, who can only be seen by children. With the help of Totoro and his whimsical companions, including the unforgettable Cat Bus, Satsuki and Mei embark on magical adventures that transform their world with wonder, joy, and comfort.
Featuring the voices of Tim Daly, Lea Salonga, and real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning in early roles, My Neighbor Totoro is a warm, whimsical exploration of childhood, family, and the unseen magic of everyday life. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or returning to its gentle embrace, this film is a must-see on the big screen for audiences of all ages.
Hayao Miyazaki, 1988, Japan, 86 minutes. Screening in the English dub.
Festivals, Awards, & Nominations
Winner – Best Foreign Film, Chicago Film Critics Association Awards 1991
Nominee – Best Foreign Film, Film Independent Spirit Awards 1991
Nominee – Best Cinematographer (Sacha Vierny), New York Film Critics Circle Awards 1990
COLD SWEAT – DOUBLE FEATURE
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover screens in a double feature with Parents as a part of our monthly COLD SWEAT film series that dives deep into the world of horror and cult cinema, offering unexpected, visceral double features designed to raise the hair on the back of your neck and send a chill down your spine.
