Miyazaki is soon to be a household name, even though you may have not heard it yet. In a few weeks, when the the full scale distribution of his newest film, Ponyo hits your local theater, you will be touched. Disney is releasing the film to US theaters August 14th.

Ponyo continues Academy Award-Winning Director Hayao Miyazaki’s legacy, telling a fantastic tale with whimsical style. The film follows a goldfish’s quest to become human, and the human boy, Sōsuke, who rescues her from the beach. Using the same beautiful hand-drawn animation technique as his last two films; ‘Spirited Away‘ and ‘Howl’s Moving Castle‘ the medium will be sure to express Miyazaki’s surreal vision (CGI free).  Disney is adding some flair to the family film by pulling big names for the English re-dub, featuring Kate Blanchett, Matt Damon and Tina Fey.

Miyazaki is coming to America for the first time in 10 years to promote Ponyo, screening his film in person, first-come first-serve this Friday, July 24th at 8:00 PM at the world famous Comic-Con International convention, in San Diego, CA.  After that he will continue up the coast to UC Berkley (8/15) and Beverly Hills (8/18).