Disney / Miyazaki (Summer 2019) Walt Disney and Hayao Miyazaki are, arguably, the two best-known and widely acclaimed artists in the history of animated cinema. Despite obvious differences in style, themes, politics and approach to the animated form, what unites the oueveres of Disney and Miyazaki is their indelible influence on the aesthetics, narratives and cultural significance of animated film and films for children. Founders of two of the most successful independent production houses in cinematic history – the Walt Disney entertainment conglomerate and Studio Ghibli, their films provide insight into the role of autonomous studios in both domestic and global contexts. While Disney’s company has produced innovative films of high aesthetic quality, stunning animation and hegemonic values, Studio Ghibli has managed to equal those lofty artistic standards while crafting complex tales which question the very foundations of the culture from which they emerge. This course will examine the works of these two artists, producers and production houses in the light of auteur and animation scholarship to interrogate how their respective filmic productions both exemplify and problematize the issue of cinematic authorship and illustrate the cultural function of animation. Films to be screened will include Snow White, Fantasia, Pinnochio, Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, Frozen, Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and The Wind Rises.