At the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Goro Miyazaki, director and son of legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, provided candid insights into the future of Studio Ghibli.

Speaking before receiving an Honorary Palme d'Or on behalf of Ghibli at the 77th Cannes International Film Festival, Goro Miyazaki commented on the failed generational transitions in Ghibli's history.

“Ultimately, the history of Ghibli is a story of failed generational transitions..”

He recalled that his father first announced his retirement after completing Princess Mononoke in 1997. The creation of the Ghibli Museum was part of this strategy, providing a place for older animators to continue contributing after retirement.

However, this never happened.

Despite numerous attempts to pass the baton, Goro noted that critical decisions at Studio Ghibli are still predominantly made by Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki.

He added that the future direction of the studio will be determined when Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki are no longer around.

“He said he was going to retire and that all the older animators should retire as well. He offered the Ghibli Museum as a place for them to work after retirement, saying that they should all retire together. But that was an unwelcome intrusion (laughs). In the end, it didn't work out that way. From then on, we discussed repeatedly how to pass the baton, but even now, it's still Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki who are in charge. They make most of the important decisions for the studio. So what's going to happen? I guess we'll find out when those two are no longer around (laughs).

Previously, Toshio Suzuki had revealed that Miyazaki's The Boy And The Heron will not be his swan song, and that he is currently working on a new film.

Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985, flourished under the co-leadership of Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki. Their first collaboration came with the 1986 release of Castle in the sky, based on Miyazaki's manga. However, Away from spiritReleased in 2001, it is the duo's most notable film, achieving international acclaim and popularity.

Other notable works by the duo include – Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, Cure etc.

Studio Ghibli became the first studio to receive the Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes, marking the first time the honor was given to a group rather than an individual.

Source: Yahoo Japan