New York, NY – July 24, 2023: GKIDS brings heartwarming adventure to theaters nationwide: “Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia” is set to release on September 1, 2023.
GKIDS, a renowned animation producer and distributor celebrating its 15th anniversary, is set to captivate audiences once again with the much-anticipated release of “Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia.” This heartwarming sequel follows the unlikely friendship between a bear and a mouse and promises to delight viewers nationwide when it hits select theaters on September 1, 2023.
Directed by the talented duo of Jean-Christophe Roger and Julien Chheng, “Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia” reunites the beloved bear, Ernest, and his mouse companion, Celestine, as they embark on a journey to Ernest’s hometown in Gibberitia. Garnering critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Animated Feature at France’s 48th César Awards, the film first graced French theaters in December before enchanting audiences at the New York International Children’s Film Festival in March.
Jean-Christophe Roger, known for his contributions to the “Ernest & Celestine: The Collection” animated series, once again helms the directorial chair, alongside Emmy®-nominated co-director Julien Chheng, who previously impressed audiences with his character animation skills and directed “The Spy Dancer” in Star Wars: Visions Volume 2.
Having previously distributed the original “Ernest & Celestine,” which clinched the César Award for Best Animated Feature and earned GKIDS its third Academy Award nomination, the studio is thrilled to bring “Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia” to audiences in both its original French language and a brand-new English dubbed version. The English cast includes talented voices such as Andrew Kishino as Ernest, Ashely Boettcher as Celestine, David Lodge as Naboukov, Anne Yatco as Kamelia, Lena Josephine Marano as Mila/Mifasol, Bill Lobley as Octavius, and Daniel Hagan as the Police Chief.
“Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia” follows the heartwarming duo as they set out to repair Ernest’s cherished violin. Their journey leads them to Gibberitia, the bear’s homeland, where they make a shocking discovery – music has been outlawed for years, robbing the once vibrant land of its artistic spirit. Determined to restore music and joy to Gibberitia, Ernest and Celestine, joined by a mysterious masked outlaw and other newfound allies, embark on an inspiring quest to rejuvenate the soul of their cherished homeland.
GKIDS, recognized for its remarkable 15-year legacy of producing and distributing artist-driven and award-winning animation from around the globe, continues to garner acclaim and admiration for its exceptional work. The studio boasts an impressive record of securing 12 Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations, including titles like “The Secret of Kells,” “Song of the Sea,” and “Wolfwalkers.”
Moreover, GKIDS has distinguished itself as the esteemed North American distributor of Studio Ghibli’s unparalleled library of films, featuring iconic classics such as “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” and “Princess Mononoke.” Beyond this, the studio proudly organizes the highly regarded ANIMATION IS FILM festival in Los Angeles, a celebration of animation as an exquisite cinematic art form that embraces innovative filmmakers pushing the boundaries of creative expression.
With the release of “Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia,” GKIDS reaffirms its commitment to delivering captivating and artistically profound animated tales to audiences of all ages. The studio’s passion for storytelling and dedication to crafting unique and evocative narratives continue to make GKIDS a trailblazer in the animation industry, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.
