Studio Ghibli animator's vision of Switzerland finds lasting home in Alps

Lausanne, Switzerland (Kyodo) -- A Japanese animated series about a Swiss girl named Heidi set in the Alps has become an integral part of Switzerland's cultural identity. The exhibition at Lausanne's Mudac museum showcases director Isao Takahata's vision of Switzerland through sketches, animation cels, photographs, and production materials.

The 1974 anime "Heidi, Girl of the Alps," based on Swiss author Johanna Spyri's book, was directed by Takahata and known for its accurate portrayal of Alpine landscapes and rural life. Takahata and his team traveled to Switzerland, including Maienfeld, the setting of the original story, to gather details about local life and landscapes.

Despite not being broadcast on Swiss television, the series gained popularity in Switzerland through neighboring countries like France and Germany. Many Swiss viewers were impressed by the series' faithful representation of Swiss life, comparing it to the real country. Takahata's attention to reality, rather than pure invention, was crucial to the series' success, according to Marco Costantini, director of Mudac Museum.

The exhibition runs until September 27 and explores Takahata's broader contributions to animation, including his efforts to expand the medium beyond children's entertainment. Costantini highlighted Takahata's ability to create films that appealed to both children and adults, touching on universal themes like peace, the environment, and human relationships.