For lovers of animation the names of Japanese directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata enjoy a near mythic status. Theirs are the fantastical imaginations behind My Neighbour Totoro, Grave of The Fireflies and Spirited Away - universally cherished films that constitute but a mere fraction of the extraordinarily successful output to have emerged from within the walls of Studio Ghibli over the past 30 years. And now, with this genial, illuminating and delightfully observant behind the scenes documentary, there comes the giddy sense of being handed the keys to the kingdom as we're granted unprecedented access to peer into the inner workings of one of the most celebrated and revered animation studios in the world.

Located in a Tokyo suburb, Studio Ghibli looks from the outside like a modest office building. But behind its doors you'll find ship windows, a resident all-knowing cat and a rooftop lawn. Miyazaki especially proves captivating company - decked out in his craftsman apron he proves impish one moment, melancholic the next as over the course of our visit he toils to finish his final film The Wind Rises. Released at a point when the future of Ghibli looks at best uncertain (in August 2014 the studio announced they would temporarily halt production and restructure following Miyazaki's retirement) this is a timely and engrossing study of the studio behind some of contemporary animation's most singular masterpieces.

Please note there will be no screenings of The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness on Sat 8 Nov.

• The evening screening of The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness on Tue 11 Nov is part of our Cinébites deal: get a cinema ticket, veggie or meat gnocchi, and a drink (wine/beer or soft drink) for only £15.

Ticket prices: Screenings before 16:00: £5.50 full / £4.00 concessions. Screenings after 16:00: £8.00 full / £6.50 concessions.

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