Earwig and the Witch

Synopsis

In the peaceful hallways of St. Morwald’s Home for Children, where bright sunlight streams through expansive windows, orphaned children find comfort after losing their families. Among them is Aya, a ten-year-old who delights in outsmarting and controlling people around her. Her daily life is upended when Bella Yaga and the Mandrake, an odd duo, take her in as an adopted child. Aya soon discovers that her new mother is a real witch who views her as a helper rather than a daughter. The witch imposes one strict condition: Aya must not disturb the Mandrake. Despite the cold demeanor of the witch and the irritable nature of the Mandrake, Aya, unlike other children, dives into the situation with eagerness and without any reluctance.

Background

Aya to Majo is based on Diana Wynne Jones' 2011 children's novel Earwig and the Witch. The film is the first full 3DCG animated feature done by Studio Ghibli. The film was set to have its worldwide premiere at the 73rd Cannes Film Festival in May 2020, but the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the movie premiered at the Lumière Film Festival on October 18, 2020. The film debuted in Japan on NHK General TV on December 30, 2020, and in Japanese theaters on August 27, 2021. GKIDS released Aya to Majo on Blu-ray and DVD in North America on April 6, 2021. A children's cookbook inspired by the food featured in the film titled Kodomo Ryouri Ehon Jiburi no Shokutaku Aya to Majo was released by Shufunotomo on April 28, 2021.