Anime (pronounced ah-nee-may) is the term for Japanese cartoon animation, a celebrated entertainment industry in Japan that is gaining popularity overseas. Distinguished by stylized, doe-eyed characters and frenetic action, familiar examples of anime include Speed Racer and Pokemon. Typically, anime are inspired by comic books (called manga in Japan), which are often very sophisticated and appeal to adults as well as younger audiences.

This year’s feature film is The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006), directed by Mamoru Hosoda. High-spirited tomboy Makoto Konno has the kindest family and truest friends a girl could ask for! But when she finds a device that gives her the ability to play with time itself, she can’t resist indulging its power to the fullest. However, the unintended consequences may jeopardize everything she holds dear, as well as the bright tomorrow she didn’t know she had.

Running time: 98 minutes.