The fifth edition of the annual AfroAnimation Summit (AAS) is set to take place April 3-5, 2025, bringing together a huge coalition of animation and gaming industry leaders, studio executives, artists and creative talent.
Founded by Keith White and Rio Cyrus, the summit has become the premier platform for BIPOC animators, storytellers and creators, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, career development, and industry access. With support from premier partners Walt Disney Animation Studios, Netflix, Pixar, Lucasfilm, Lion Forge, LAIKA Studios, Toon Boom, Wacom, Disney Television Animation and Visit Burbank.
The FRWD Awards Dinner on April 4 at Castaway Burbank will award major films, series and voice-over actors from the last 12 months that highlight diverse characters and narratives. Nominees include Pharrell Williams, Viola Davis, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, and more.
AfroAnimation Summit 2025 will also present an exclusive screening of Iyanu, the highly anticipated animated fantasy hero series headed to Cartoon Network and Max from creator, executive producer and showrunner Roye Okupe. The series, deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, was developed and produced by Lion Forge Entertainment — the producers behind the Oscar-winning short Hair Love.
The screening will take place at 12:30 p.m. PT on April 3 at the AMC Burbank 16 Theater and will be followed by a discussion featuring Okupe and the creative team. Lion Forge Entertainment is also a valued sponsor of this year’s event.
Held in Burbank, the home of animation industry heavyweights such as Netflix, Walt Disney Animation, Cartoon Network and more, the AfroAnimation Summit provides a space for both emerging and established creatives to connect, learn, and advance their careers.
More information, event registration and Burbank accommodations are available at www.afroanimation.com.
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