The Barbican have now secured 4 exclusive previews of "Ponyo" ahead of its 2010 UK launch. A dubbed version of "Ponyo" will launch the London Children's Film Festival at its Opening Gala event this Saturday, and will be shown again on Sun 29th. Due to popular demand, a third SUBTITLED screening has now been added on Sat 28th.

Before this Thursday 26th sees the subtitled "Ponyo" head a special anime double bill, to be introduced by Helen McCarthy as part of our regular Japanimation series. Also featured will be "Mai Mai Miracle", from ex-Studio Ghibli animator Sunao Katabuchi.

Japanimation in 2010

Looking ahead to the new year, a whole new slate of films have been announced and should be available to book soon - All films will be introduced by anime expert and co-author of The Anime Encyclopedia, Helen McCarthy.

Tue 26 Jan 8.30pm Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (Evangelion Shin Gekijōban: Jo) The first in the Evangelion film tetralogy. Hideaki Anno's faithful adaptation is a must-see for fans of the original anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion and a great introduction to the Evangelion universe for the uninitiated.

Japanimation events scheduled for February and March are David Bower's "Astro Boy", and Mamoru Oshii's (Ghosts in the Shell) "The Sky Crawlers" (Sukai kurora). More details to be announced soon.