MFINDA: A Journey Between Worlds, presented by N LITE – All the News and Reviews from Anime Expo 2025

I challenge you to find an anime that is guiding the soul Studio Ghibli also n liteUpcoming movies gun. n lite The goal is to redefine the boundaries of the anime industry by drawing from real culture and untapped stories of African diaspora, so far, the results are amazing.

gunthis is the first feature film in history dominated by black + Japanese, representing their first step to the public. This is also the first display cabinet for the public gunwithout exaggeration, the audience was caught off guard by the artistic ability of display. Many times, when a new slide appeared with another special watercolor artwork, the crowd gasped and the group members on the microphone stopped the middle sentence and commented.

The first guest in line is Christiano Terryfounder n liteand co-creators, producers and screenwriters gun. studio n lite It is a black-owned anime studio that works with Japanese studio partners and international artists to produce original anime movies. You can use the entire panel specifically for this topic!

Next is Patience Lekienchief artist n lite and the creator gun. He serves as the art director of the film. Before succumbing to the next guest, he mentioned what everyone in the room could fall behind: “A lot of us have one thing in common here. I love Ghibli.”

The topic of Ghibli and its impact on the group members have appeared many times. It’s no surprise, because every visual effect displayed on the screen looks at Ghibli’s Art Gallery. From character art to amazing watercolor backgrounds, it’s clear that these creators are disciples of the Ghibli way.

Donald Hewitt is also on the stage n lite. He made an English translation Spirited Away He has been a professional screenwriter for 25 years. There are also Rodney Uhleracquisition director Gkidsproducer gun.

Before we move further, Christiano talks about some related origins n lite As an animation studio as an introduction Arthell Isom. “[N LITE is] Media companies and animation studios located in the United States and Tokyo. I had to hand over the props to Yathel because he was the first foreigner ever to have an anime studio in Japan, not just a black foreigner. So we are following in his footsteps. ”

For the audience, these people are real deals. They put their work into the work, leaving themselves completely in trouble in the animation and the industry itself. You can explain the team behind it gun It is also important to tell stories.

“[N LITE is] Regarding the current anime, it is a global form and brings global storytelling into anime. “Christiano said he believed gun Centered on the protagonist of the Congo and featuring Congolese mythology and culture, it breaks the cultural boundaries of anime because the basic themes are universal. Connect with our ancestors, respect nature, respect tradition while embracing the future…Ghibli’s work proves that these stories resonate with audiences everywhere.

gun It is the story of a 13-year-old Congolese girl named Odi who was transported to gunthe forest of primitive spirits, gods and ancestors. She joined another young girl from different times and embarked on a journey to find the magical Nkisi in hopes of finding home.

The team has encountered some skepticism in the industry that the Japanese will be motivated to engage in anime about Africans. But a convincing story gun And Christiano and the passion of people n lite Because it attracts the attention of legendary anime producers Masio Maruyamafamous for its iconic works Perfect blue,,,,, Ninja Scrolland Tokyo Godfather. He and Studio M2 Now directly involved in the project. He even said he expected gun Become his last movie.

what to do Gkids‘participate? They are a powerful distribution agency, gun Will be home with their Ghibli Library. “If you experience human experience, you’ll be inspired or affected Studio Ghibli. But the most prominent is patience [Lekien] …Use this inspiration to create something unique. ” Gkids See n lite Not only is the trick to bringing the spirit of Ghibli into Page, but it is a clear vision to move anime into new territory.

Arthell IsomCEO D’Art Shtajio and co-director gun While the industry is increasingly comfortable mixing 2D with 3D/CGI methods, he was asked about his decision to keep purely hand-painted.

Just as he began to answer, the crowd flocked to a slide show, showing off a character named Queen Simbi. He recovered after the audience and the panelists themselves caused some excitement.

Arthell recalls the period when all 2D animation studios were closed and 3D took over. This inspired him to move to Japan and maintain a 2D art style, which led to the establishment D’Art Shtajio.

The slide then turned to a portion of the watercolor art, which in the next few minutes attracted the audience’s oohs and ahhs. Even Christiano, because he is answering a question Viola Davis‘ Juvee Productions Being involved, you can’t help but have to have a little emergence of art. “Yes, I love this watercolor art!”

Visual effects of watercolor art

Note Turn to Donald Hewitt, who is talking about the way you can feel it Hayao MiyazakiHis love for his character in the movie was his effort, and he worked patiently. “We want to approach these characters with love and respect.”

What other cultures we want to see come alive from n lite? An item in the queue is called Chiure: The Son of the Oceanis an animated film inspired by Mozambique folk customs. The main characters in Chiure are also associated with nature, but are like forests gunit is from the sea.

Chiure Visual

According to Christiano, they are working with Lucen, who worked with Disney, the former Emmy-nominated Kizazi Moto, and even brings African artists to Japan for the project.

Christiano, with the energy and enthusiasm in the room, couldn’t help but share another Parker project. “I can say that because we signed the contract. We will remake it. Jungle Emperor Leo from Tezuka Productions. “Wow, the audience was a little shocked, perhaps a little skeptical considering its casualness, but once it’s obvious that he’s serious, the audience will cheer on.

“Jungle Emperor Leo It is an example of not only doing original stories, but also working with legendary Japanese studios to revitalize their IP for today’s global audience. ”

After that shock, they returned to the topic gun. They revealed this Jaden Smith Will post Kozo’s character in the return to the anime. His last role was in 2017 Neo Yokio. He will also contribute music to the film and serve as executive producer.

Jaden / Kozo Visual

The panel is closed by some Q&A. One listener asked about the hostility of black storytelling we see in the world and whether the team had any concerns or concerns.

The team members said they did not know about fear. “It’s important to do something like this right now. These stories are things the world needs to showcase more unity than we see on TV.” They are determined to make sure that any media and stories they post in the world “reflect all the joy we have in this room”.

Indeed, the crowd was inspired by art, the creators’ confidence in the stage, and their collaborative efforts with professionals in the animation industry established in Japan.

Tony Weaver is amazed by the diversity of collaborators gunAnd feel that this proves the hater’s fault. “Usually, they want to dissuade people from watching black characters, they feel like they have fanatics,” he said. gunA long list of established collaborators proves the simplicity that everyone wants: a universal story, told through interesting perspectives.

If the recent discussion around AI tools producing images that replicate Gibley-styled inspiration makes you feel that we have reached the dead end of art, gun,,,,, n liteand people of trust and confidence in this assure you that the fire has not decreased – it burns.