A true forgotten gem is coming to the big screen in France this November. Nearly thirty years after its release in Japan, *Whisper of the Heart* is finally being screened in our theaters. Studio Ghibli fans will finally be able to discover this film, which has long remained in the shadow of the studio’s major productions. Mark your calendars for November 4, 2026, at theaters in Bordeaux for the exclusive premiere of Yoshifumi Kondō’s feature film.
A Ghibli film making its big-screen debut in France
We’re all familiar with *Spirited Away*, *My Neighbor Totoro*, and *Princess Mononoke*. But Studio Ghibli still has a few gems in store that are less well-known to the general public. This is particularly true of *Whisper of the Heart*, directed by Yoshifumi Kondō in 1995.
Despite its success in Japan, this feature film had never received a proper theatrical release in France. This oversight will soon be rectified by distributor Wild Bunch, which is offering a 4K remastered version.
And to make this release even more special, the screenings will be preceded by *On Your Mark*. This musical short film by Hayao Miyazaki, made in 1995, will accompany the feature film just as it did during its Japanese release.
A story of love, books, and dreams
Forget fantastical creatures and extraordinary adventures. *If You Listen Closely* takes us on a more intimate journey, where the magic lies in the little things of everyday life.
Shizuku, a 14-year-old girl passionate about reading and music, is a regular at the library. She soon notices that a mysterious reader consistently borrows the same books she does. Intrigued, she sets out to discover his identity. She then meets Seiji, a young boy who dreams of becoming a luthier. A bond forms between the two teenagers, prompting them to reflect on their aspirations and hopes for the future.
Behind this story of first romantic feelings, the film explores themes such as creativity, perseverance, and the difficulty of finding one’s path. A sensitive tale that reminds us that growing up also means daring to pursue one’s dreams.
A tribute to Yoshifumi Kondō
If the film deserves our full attention today, it’s also because of its director. Yoshifumi Kondō was considered one of Hayao Miyazaki’s artistic heirs. A talented animator and close collaborator at the studio, he nevertheless directed only one feature film before his untimely death in 1998.
This French release is therefore a wonderful opportunity to discover his work on the big screen. It also pays tribute to an artist whose talent has long been overshadowed by the studio’s most famous productions.
Where can you see *If You Listen Closely* in Bordeaux?
The film opens in French theaters on Wednesday, November 4, 2026; it runs 1 hour and 51 minutes and is rated G.
To discover this Studio Ghibli gem in Bordeaux, several theaters are offering screenings to mark this nationwide release:
- At the Utopia Cinema from November 11 to December 1.
- At the Mégarama Bordeaux in French and with French subtitles.
- At UGC Talence and UGC Ciné Cité Bassins à flot in the original version with French subtitles on November 21 at 6 p.m.
- At UGC Ciné Cité Bordeaux Gambetta in the original version with French subtitles on November 22 at 6 p.m.
