In the 40 years since its founding, Studio Ghibli has built up a reputation as one of the most influential and beloved animation houses in the world.
Studio Ghibli has been recognized with two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature (Spirited Away, The Boy and the Heron), five nominations (Howl’s Moving Castle, The Wind Rises, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, When Marnie Was There, The Red Turtle), and the Honorary Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024 for its exceptional contributions to cinema and its lasting impact on the film industry.
Taking inspiration from this iconic anime studio, a Cebuano artist has created illustrations that interpret Studio Ghibli’s picture-perfect moments through the lens of Filipino-style nostalgia. From the iconic bathhouse from Spirited Away featuring a saranggola stuck on electric lines, to the castle from Howl’s Moving Castle being carried to showcase the bayanihan spirit, Cam Bastinuod’s art evokes Filipino sensibilities while paying homage to anime films that helped shape cinema and animation.
One heartwrenching piece is Bastinuod’s interpretation of Grave of the Fireflies, which, in his rework, has been named “Bakwit,” showing the displacement of Lumad community in the country.
These scenarios capture not only Filipino culture but also the real lived struggles that we face today. Check out his latest projects on his Facebook page and let us know what you think about his recent line of Studio Ghibli artworks.