Netflix has picked up global streaming rights to Studio Ponoc’s upcoming animated film slate in a new multi-film agreement.

The deal, which makes Netflix the exclusive streaming home of the nine-year-old Japanese studio’s upcoming films, kicks off with director Yoshiyuki Momose’s "The Imaginary" later this year. 

The hand-drawn animated film, described as an “adventure of love, loss, and the healing power of imagination”, is about Amanda and her imaginary companion Rudger discovering a magical world and the sinister force that threatens destruction.

Momose also directed "Modest Heroes" and "Tomorrow’s Leaves". 

Studio Ponoc was founded in 2015 by former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura ("The Tale of The Princess Kaguya"). Its debut feature film was "Mary and The Witch’s Flower" (2017) by director Hiromasa “Maro” Yonebayashi.