The Red Carpet Cinemas screened 6 Studio Ghibli classics to honor 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees
It was a weekend of exploring enchanting worlds and celebrating humanitarian excellence, as Shangri-La Plaza featured the beloved animation works of Japanese master filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki at the Studio Ghibli Weekend Film Festival. Held at the Red Carpet Cinemas last November 16 and 17, the weekend treat showcased six of Miyazaki’s masterpieces to mark his new milestone as a recipient of the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award.
During the mini film fest, audiences reveled in the magic of iconic Ghibli classics such as the ecological heroism of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) and the whimsical underwater adventure of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008). The lineup also included the breathtaking fantasy of Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), the unforgettable adventure of Spirited Away (2001), the heartwarming tale of sisterhood and magic in My Neighbor Totoro (1988), and the thrilling journey to the mysterious floating island in Castle in the Sky (1986).
The lineup was a fitting ode to Miyazaki who received Asia’s premier prize and highest honor for using “animation to explore complex human issues, inspiring audiences with thought-provoking films that champion nature, peace, and humanity.”
Hosted in partnership with The Japan Foundation, Manila and the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF), the Studio Ghibli weekend also celebrated the remarkable achievements of all the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees. Among the distinguished attendees at the Red Carpet Cinemas were Bhutan’s Karma Phuntsho, honored for his efforts to preserve his nation’s cultural heritage, representatives from Thailand’s Rural Doctors Movement, recognized for their dedication to delivering healthcare to remote rural communities, and even Studio Ghibli's Vice President for Events and Exhibitions, Mr. Kenichi Yoda.
Other 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees are Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, a doctor during the Vietnam War who witnessed severe birth defects in newborns and dedicated her life to uncovering the truth about Agent Orange, and Farwiza Farhan, an inspiring environmental advocate who leads efforts to protect Sumatra’s Leuser Ecosystem.
The event was also attended by Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation Chairperson Cheche Lazaro, Shangri-La Plaza Corporation Retail Operations Head Johnny G. Rios, The Japan Foundation, Manila Director Ben Suzuki, and Minister and Consul General Hanada Takahiro of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
With the Studio Ghibli Weekend Film Festival, the Red Carpet Cinemas at Shangri-La Plaza continued its mission of bringing the best of world cinema to local audiences, while serving as a great venue for inspired gatherings by honoring those whose work makes the world a better place.
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