“Fumi Kitahara: The PR Powerhouse Who Transformed Animation, Gone Too Soon”
The animation industry has lost one of its brightest stars. Fumi Kitahara, a beloved publicist and awards consultant, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 56, after a long and courageous battle with a rare blood cancer. Her legacy, however, is immortal, woven into the very fabric of animated cinema.
A Publicist Who Made Magic Happen
Over the course of three decades, Kitahara played a pivotal role in shaping the publicity landscape for some of the most beloved animated films. She collaborated with industry giants such as Disney, DreamWorks, Aardman, Netflix, Laika, and numerous independent studios. Her expertise and strategic brilliance helped propel numerous films to critical and commercial success.
Among the films she championed were Shrek, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, How to Train Your Dragon, Coraline, Kubo and the Two Strings, Over the Moon, and The Sea Beast. Her influence extended beyond features, as she also spearheaded award-winning campaigns for Oscar-winning shorts, including The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse and War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John and Yoko.
A Journey Through Animation
Kitahara’s journey into the world of film publicity began after graduating from California State University Northridge with a degree in Business Marketing. She started at The Walt Disney Studios in 1992, working under Howard Green on classics such as The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Toy Story. This early experience laid the foundation for what would become an illustrious career.
In 1996, she joined the newly formed DreamWorks SKG, where she became the Head of Animation Publicity. Over the next 11 years, she played an integral role in marketing and publicizing DreamWorks’ animated projects, including The Prince of Egypt, Shrek, and Madagascar. Her efforts were instrumental in establishing DreamWorks as a dominant force in animation.
After departing DreamWorks in 2007, Kitahara launched her own boutique firm, The PR Kitchen, where she continued to support acclaimed films such as Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, Missing Link, Mirai, and Klaus.
A Respected Mentor and Industry Leader
Kitahara wasn’t just a publicist—she was a mentor, a leader, and a champion for women in animation. She served as the PR Chair for Women in Animation (WIA) for over 10 years, helping amplify voices and create opportunities for emerging talent. Her role within The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Public Relations branch further solidified her standing as a trusted industry figure.
“Fumi was a life force of joy,” said Glen Keane, legendary animator and director. “Her encouragement and passion for storytelling were contagious. She had a gift for making every filmmaker she worked with feel valued and seen.”
Nick Park of Aardman Studios echoed similar sentiments: “Fumi’s unwavering enthusiasm, invaluable support, and boundless generosity will forever be remembered. The animation world has lost a truly precious light.”
Honoring Her Legacy
To commemorate Kitahara’s contributions, Women in Animation has established the Fumi Kitahara Membership and Scholarship Fund, dedicated to supporting future generations in the industry.
Kitahara is survived by her husband, Simon Otto, a renowned director and head of character animation for How to Train Your Dragon, and their son, Max. She also leaves behind her mother, Teruko Kitahara, sister Hiroko Kitahara Domes, and brother Keiichi Kitahara.
Her impact on the world of animation will never fade. Through the films she championed, the careers she nurtured, and the friendships she forged, Fumi Kitahara’s legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.
