The American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre presents a retrospective of Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces. Creator of some of the most breathtakingly beautiful films in the history of animation, Miyazaki has combined ageless, mythic storytelling, a profoundly spiritual approach to man and the natural world, and a gallery of fearless young heroines in his own unmistakable art. Screenings include: * Friday, February 1st -- 7:30 pm NAUSICAA, VALLEY OF THE WIND (KAZE NO TANI NO NAUSHIKA) This first of many triumphs for Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki chronicles the penultimate denouement between the last bastions of humanity a thousand years after a nuclear holocaust has gutted the globe. After the death of her father and an attack from the hostile Tormekia, Princess Nausicaa must unite her people against the threat of annihilation. Using her uncanny ability to communicate with the giant crustacean Ohmu, Nausicaa must find a way to avert apocalypse. * Saturday, February 2nd -- 4:00 pm MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (TONARI NO TOTORO) The third Studio Ghibli feature from former Toei animator-cum-writer, producer, director and entrepreneur Hayao Miyazaki is the story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei Kusakabe, who move with their father into a new house near a vast forest, in order to be closer to their ailing, hospitalized mother. Discovering wondrous forest spirits and dust-bunnies, they also encounter Totoro, a giant lumbering bunny-esque creature. * Saturday, February 2nd -- 7:30 pm SPIRITED AWAY (SEN TO CHIHIRO NO KAMIKAKUSHI) Chihiro, a young girl on holiday with her parents, accidentally stumbles into an enchanted village where ancient Japanese demons go for rest and relaxation. After her parents are transformed into enormous pigs, Chihiro is forced to take a job as a cleaning girl in a devil-filled onsen (Japanese bath house), where she contends with eight-legged spider-men, gorgeous sky-dragons and a silent, love-struck wraith. The Aero Theatre is located at 1328 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90403. Tickets are $10 General Admission, $8 Students & Seniors and $7 American Cinematheque Members.