Elysian Film Group Distribution are delighted to announce that the Studio Ghibli feature film animation, EARWIG AND THE WITCH, directed by Goro Miyazaki (FROM UP ON POPPY HILL, TALES FROM EARTHSEA), will be released on TVOD/EST platforms in the UK on 23rd May. Excitingly, this marks the first time that a film from Studio Ghibli has been made available to UK audiences in this way.

The film is based on the children’s novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones (HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE) and marks Studio Ghibli’s first entirely 3DCG animated feature. Produced by Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki with planning from Miyazaki’s father, the legendary Hayao Miyazaki (SPIRITED AWAY, MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO), EARWIG AND THE WITCH is the third solo feature from Goro Miyazaki which tells the story of a courageous young orphan forced to live with a selfish witch.

The English language dub version of the film features the voices of Richard E. Grant (Gosford Park, Can You Ever Forgive Me?), Kacey Musgraves (“Golden Hour”, “Same Trailer Different Park”) and Dan Stevens (Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, FX’s Legion), and introducing Taylor Paige Henderson as “Earwig”. In addition to her debut voice acting role as “Earwig’s Mother,” six-time Grammy Award winner Kacey Musgraves also performs the English language version of the film’s theme song, “Don’t Disturb Me.”

Growing up in an orphanage in the British countryside, Earwig has no idea that her mother had magical powers. Her life changes dramatically when a strange couple takes her in, and she is forced to live with a selfish witch. As the headstrong young girl sets out to uncover the secrets of her new guardians, she discovers a world of spells and potions, and a mysterious song that may be the key to finding the family she has always wanted.

Young readers can also discover the magical story of EARWIG AND THE WITCH by Diana Wynne Jones (Howl’s Moving Castle, Charmed Life). The book was recently re-printed to tie in with the UK release of the film and it is available now in paperback via Harper Collins.