Studio Ghibli's next film arrives in July, as a Ghibli Park exclusive

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Published Apr 22, 2026, 2:44 PM EDT

Night in the Valley of Witches starts screening this July

Kiki, an anime girl with black hair and a red bow on top, rides a broom over a European-style cityscape in Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service. Image: Studio Ghibli

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While Studio Ghibli doesn't have any upcoming feature-length projects in the pipeline (at least, that fans know about), they'll still be able to see the studio's work on the big screen this summer when Studio Ghibli Fest 2026 rolls around. The Secret World of Arrietty will also be shown in IMAX for one night next month. But if you're looking to watch a new Studio Ghibli film this summer, you're in luck. And also probably out of luck.

Studio Ghibli will debut a new short film July 8. Approximately translated as Night in the Valley of Witches (via Google Translate), it was created specifically for Japan's Ghibli Park, and will screen there exclusively.

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Night in the Valley of Witches was directed by Akihiko Yamashita and Hayao Miyazaki's son, Goro Miyazaki. It's set inside the park itself, taking place in the Valley of Witches area. The two directors will appear at the short film's debut screening on July 8, and will stick around afterward to talk about the making of Night in the Valley of Witches. If you're visiting Japan this summer, you can head to the park's website for ticket information.

Studio Ghibli theme park short film Night in the Valley of Witches poster, featuring an alarmed-looking boy and a calm girl with glasses at Ghibli Park Image: Studio Ghibli

The Ghibli Park short film will be the studio's first project since 2023's The Boy and the Heron, which may be Hayao Miyazaki's last film. But as the man continually refuses to actually retire, who can really say for sure?

If you aren't visiting Japan this summer to catch Night in the Valley of Witches, you can always stock up on Studio Ghibli Blu-rays and rewatch an old favorite or two at home. Grave of the Fireflies and My Neighbor Totoro make a fascinating double feature.

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