Ghibliotheque - A Podcast About Animation and Studio Ghibli cover art

Ghibliotheque - A Podcast About Animation and Studio Ghibli

Ghibliotheque - A Podcast About Animation and Studio Ghibli

By: Michael Leader Jake Cunningham & Steph Watts
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About this listen

Welcome to the Ghibliotheque, the podcast that leafs through libraries of films from the world’s greatest animation studios.


In 2018, Michael Leader, an avowed Studio Ghibli fanatic, sat down with Jake Cunningham, who had never seen any of the Studio’s work before. Together they looked at the history behind Ghibli's films (including Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro and Princess Mononoke), and got a critical perspective from Jake as a first-time viewer. They covered all of Studio Ghibli's films, visited Japan on the ultimate Ghibli pilgrimage, and have since interviewed artists, animators and filmmakers who have either worked on or have been deeply inspired by Ghibli's films. With their co-host Steph Watts, they have also branched out to cover filmographies of other studios and filmmakers whose work has revolutionised animation, from Satoshi Kon and Mamoru Hosoda to Cartoon Saloon and Henry Selick.


Where will we go next? For more information, follow us on Twitter at @ghibliotheque, or on Instagram at ghibliotheque.pod. Or email us at ghibliotheque@gmail.com.


Follow Michael and Jake on Twitter:

@MichaelJLeader – Michael

@jakehcunningham – Jake

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Leader, Jake Cunningham & Steph Watts
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Episodes
  • Zootropolis 2 with Jared Bush & Yvett Merino | Interview Special
    Feb 16 2026

    We're collecting Best Feature Animation Oscar nominees like trading cards! In this bonus interview episode, Jake sits down with director Jared Bush and producer Yvett Merino to talk about their blockbusting Disney Animation sequel Zootropolis 2.


    Haven't seen it? Here's a quick breakdown of the plot:


    In Zootropolis 2, detectives Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootropolis and turns the mammal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.


    Zootropolis 2 is available for home entertainment purchase now, and will be available on Disney+ soon.


    Did you know, we have a new book out? It's called The Animation Atlas and it is a journey through the world of animation, visiting 30 countries over 30 chapters and highlighting key films and filmmakers along every stop of the journey.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    33 mins
  • Little Amélie with Mailys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han | Interview Special
    Feb 13 2026

    With the Oscars and Baftas around the corner, we've lined up a couple of interview episodes with filmmakers behind some of the contenders.


    Today, Michael and Jake speak with Mailys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, directors of the French animated gem, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain. This remarkable film sees the world through the eyes of a toddler growing up in postwar Japan as she observes, explores and makes sense of the world around her, thanks in no small part to her deep connection with her family's housekeeper, Nishio-San.


    Did you know, we have a new book out? It's called The Animation Atlas and it is a journey through the world of animation, visiting 30 countries over 30 chapters and highlighting key films and filmmakers along every stop of the journey.


    Subscribe to our Patreon for ad-free episodes and bonus conversations in our Library Cafe series.


    Follow us on Twitter or Instagram, or drop us an email at ghibliotheque@gmail.com.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    57 mins
  • Another World with Polly Yeung and Tommy Ng | Q&A Interview Special
    Feb 6 2026

    Back in January, Michael was invited to host the UK premiere of Another World, a spectacular, high-concept, high-emotions animation from Hong Kong.


    Here is the recording of the Q&A from that screening, with producer-writer Polly Yeung and director Tommy Ng.


    Tasked to help transient souls through Another World to their reincarnation, a spirit and a young girl embarks on a dangerous journey to prevent her curse from destroying the world.


    Another World is currently on release in the UK thanks to Central City Media and will be released in the US by GKids later this year.


    If you're in the UK, find a screening near you here: https://www.centralcity.media/films/another-world/


    Did you know, we have a new book out? It's called The Animation Atlas and it is a journey through the world of animation, visiting 30 countries over 30 chapters and highlighting key films and filmmakers along every stop of the journey.


    Subscribe to our Patreon for ad-free episodes and bonus conversations in our Library Cafe series.


    Follow us on Twitter or Instagram, or drop us an email at ghibliotheque@gmail.com.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
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