Tickets to Miyazaki’s The Lad and the Heron are being resold at exorbitant prices before its release at the TIFF in September.
For enthusiasts of animated films, the retirement of Hayao Miyazaki — well, we believe he’s serious this time…maybe? — is a momentous occasion, to the extent that passes for the global premiere of his last film have been sold out. However, if you still desire to attend the screening of The Lad and the Heron, there is still a glimmer of hope, provided you are willing to spend a few hundred dollars.
According to a report by ComicBook.com, passes to the premiere of The Lad and the Heron at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, are being sold for $300 or even higher. A swift search on Ticketmaster, which handles the sales, indicates that only a limited number of resale passes are available, and the prices easily exceed the $300 (Canadian) mark, including taxes and fees. This is quite astonishing, particularly when considering that Studio Ghibli has largely avoided promoting the film, which was a cause for concern for the director. However, Miyazaki’ s concerns should alleviate when he notices the ticket prices.
Cameron Bailey, the CEO of TIFF, stated, “Already recognized as a masterpiece in Japan, Hayao Miyazaki’s new film starts as a straightforward story of grief and love and develops into an astonishing work of imagination… I anticipate that our audience will uncover its enigmas themselves, but I can guarantee a unique and transformative experience.”
Miyazaki’s film will inaugurate the TIFF on September 7th, making it the first time an animated film has received this honor. The Lad and the Heron has already premiered in its home country of Japan, where it has garnered only favorable reviews thus far.
Nevertheless, The Lad and the Heron is not the only film affected by such deplorable tactics. According to Variety, scalpers have also targeted Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins and the documentary Sylvester.
As stated in the official description by the TIFF, “Visually, the film showcases Miyazaki at the pinnacle of his abilities, filling the screen with breathtaking compositions, vibrant hues, and captivating motion. As it delves deeper into its riddles, The Lad and the Heron becomes increasingly intricate, peculiar, and exquisitely beautiful. This is a distinct and transformative film experience that should not be overlooked.”
Would you ever be willing to pay hundreds of dollars to attend a film premiere? Are you eagerly anticipating Hayao Miyazaki’s The Lad and the Heron?
Originally published at Miyazaki’s final film, The Boy and the Heron, sells out TIFF; tickets selling for $300+
