Anime favorites come to the big screen in Anime-Magic Film Series

The Anime-Magic Film Series is expecting big crowds for its second year showing anime and animated films at the Carolina Theatre of Durham this Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $9.50 per show and a 10-film pass is available for $80. 

Anime, the distinct storytelling artwork that originated in Japan, has gained a significant following in the past 50 years. Its telltale design and common themes have captured a global audience as well as a very local one.

Several years ago when Jim Carl, director of film programming at the Carolina Theatre of Durham, was going through movie suggestions left by viewers, he saw several requests for anime films. As a test, Carl screened two anime films. The viewing sold out completely. 

After realizing there existed a curiously niche, anime-loving community in the area, Carl devoted his time to curating the first Anime-Magic Film Series that screened in March 2017.

“That became the single highest attended, highest grossing three-day series we’ve ever produced at the Carolina Theatre in the 23-year history that I’ve been with the organization,” Carl said. “This year looks like another huge success.”

Carl attributes the popularity of anime in the Triangle to the many comic book shops in the area that were not here 20 years ago. 

“I give a lot of credit for raising awareness of the Mangas and of the Japanese anime films to those readers of comic books who are in the Triangle,” Carl said. “I spread my word about the series through the comic shops because those are the people who want to see these films back on the big screen.”

Because most anime films never make it to “the big screen,” anime fans have typically had to watch the films on DVD, cable or the internet. The Anime-Magic Film Series may be so successful because it finally allows fans to watch their favorite films in a theater, surrounded by other fans who are just as excited as they are.

The film series will show 13 anime and animated films from Japan, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. Carl said to look out for an anime film called "Ghost in the Shell" that took him two years to track down the rights to screen.

The Triangle is known for its out-of-the-box innovation and art, and anime is another unique form of art.

“It’s a very spectacular, visually stimulating art form,” said Joe Student, director of live events at the Carolina Theatre. “I think this is a bit more outside the norm of what they might see at a theater. If they have never been involved or seen anime, this gives them a chance to see the best of the genre.”

For an art form that is seemingly very niche, anime expresses a diversity of themes and concepts. When asked, “Why anime?” Durham resident and a regular of the theater Dustin Britt said he loves the perspective anime offers.

“I think the reason it’s so interesting is because you’re getting a view of a different culture’s perspective on science fiction, on religion, on nature, on politics, on childhood,” Britt said. “You’re able to get a different perspective, and kind of a cultural lesson, but in a way that is still extremely engaging and entertaining.”

arts@dailytarheel.com