A decade in, Studio Ghibli Fest keeps growing as new generations flock to 'Totoro,' 'Ponyo' and more

Summary by The San Antonio Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Jake Coyle, Associated Press, KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) · July 23, 2026 · 6 min read

Whenever the calendar comes out, Amanda Mendoza VanCleave circles the dates. Studio Ghibli Fest , the long-running theatrical revivals of Ghibli movies, has taken on a special meaning for her, her 3-year-old daughter and her mother, Araceli. Every year, they go to see each Ghibli rerelease in the...

Why this matters in The San Antonio

San Antonio families like the Mendozas are likely among those flocking to Ghibli Fest screenings, given the city's strong sense of community and tradition. The fact that Ghibli Fest has been able to thrive in theaters, even after the films became available to stream on HBO Max, suggests that local moviegoers value the unique experience of watching these beloved films on the big screen. As the festival continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how San Antonio's own theaters capitalize on the trend, potentially hosting special events or Q&A sessions to enhance the viewing experience. With its rich cultural scene and strong support for family-friendly activities, San Antonio is well-positioned to become a hub for Ghibli Fest enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity for local businesses and community groups to engage with fans and create new traditions.

About this story

Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 23, 2026 · Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) · Reading time: 6 min

Frequently asked about this story

What is this story about?

When was this published?

This article was first published on July 23, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Jake Coyle, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

Where can I find related coverage?

See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs.

Summary created by	The San Antonio Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Jake Coyle, Associated Press, KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 23, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 23, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

A decade in, Studio Ghibli Fest keeps growing as new generations flock to 'Totoro,' 'Ponyo' and more

More stories

Carapaz wins stage 18 of the Tour de France with a late breakaway, Pogacar keeps overall lead

Faces of the Spurs listening tour: Residents excited, concerned about downtown arena, Project Marvel

Suspect accused of stealing vehicle on South Side taken into custody, authorities say

Salman Rushdie testifies at the terrorism trial of the man convicted of stabbing him

Bread rolls sold in TX recalled over potential for glass contamination

San Antonio Missions to host NCAA baseball tournament at Wolff Stadium in 2027

San Antonio temps hit 100 this week. Here's how to stay safe in the heat.

Average 30-year US mortgage rate climbs to 6.58%, highest level in nearly a year

Teen hid gun in movie theater restroom after confrontation outside New Braunfels Target

Trump will welcome the World Series champion Dodgers to the White House

Victor Wembanyama becomes first San Antonio Spurs player to land on cover of NBA 2K video game

Man City signs England international Elliot Anderson for $155M

Get the briefing.