The critically acclaimed director of The Boy and the Heron, Hayao Miyazaki, is famous for his curmudgeonly stance on the anime industry, and that’s more apparent than ever after a new quote reflecting the director’s thoughts on the modern anime industry. Most directors would take winning a major award like the Palme d’Or as a sign of hope and optimism, but according to Miyazaki’s son, the beloved filmmaker is filled with uncertainty about the future of Ghibli and anime in general.

Studio Ghibli was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival this year, with Miyazaki’s son Goro traveling to France to accept the award. At the ceremony, the younger Miyazaki spoke to French outlet 20 Minutes about his father’s feelings on Ghibli and the modern anime industry.

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According to Goro Miyazaki, “It made him happy, but he believes that the golden age of Japanese animation has passed and that there is not much new left.” Goro apparently goes on to say that the Elder Miyazaki believes that the Palme d’Or symbolizes an ending to his beloved career.

Source: 20 Minutes