N LITE's 'Afro-Anime' Film MFINDA: Jaden Smith Stars as Kozo in Exciting New Role
Discover how NBA MVP Joel Embiid's Miniature Géant is teaming up to co-produce an exciting documentary—uncover the story behind the star and the film.
Exciting Announcements from Anime Expo 2025: N LITE's New Projects
During its panel at Anime Expo 2025, multimedia company N LITE revealed some thrilling updates about their upcoming projects, including collaborations with notable stars and new anime productions.
Jaden Smith Joins the Afro-Anime 'MFINDA'
- Jaden Smith, actor and musician, will lend his voice to the character Kozo in N LITE's afro-anime titled MFINDA.
- Smith is also an executive producer for the project and will contribute music to the film.
- Earlier this year, N LITE shared character art for Kozo, building anticipation for the release.
Joel Embiid and Miniature Géant's Role in 'MFINDA'
- NBA star Joel Embiid and his production company, Miniature Géant, will serve as executive producers.
- They are also co-producing a companion documentary titled MFINDA: Spirits of the Congo, which will explore the film's production, culture, and folklore of the Congo.
About the Story of 'MFINDA'
MFINDA follows the story of a young girl, Odi, who is transported into the past. There, she joins Nasambi to confront evil spirits in the MFINDA realm to reclaim the Nkisi and find her way back home.
Collaborations and Production Team
- JuVee Productions, led by Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, partners with N LITE.
- The film is produced by MAPPA, with Masao Maruyama (known for In This Corner of the World, Tokyo Godfathers, Summer Wars) as producer.
- Gisaburō Sugii directs, with Arthell Isom co-directing.
- U.S. distributor GKIDS is a co-production partner.
Creative Minds Behind 'MFINDA'
- Christiano Malik Terry, founder of N LITE, leads N LITE Japan alongside Shin Koyamada and Shigeru Igari.
- The screenplay is written by Donald H. Hewitt, Mika Abe, and Patience Lekien.
- The story is credited to Lekien and Terry.
Manga Adaptation and Future Projects
- The first volume of MFINDA: The Manga will be released in 2025, featuring three volumes.
- Written by Terry, with art direction by Lekien and illustrations by Tom Lintern.
- The manga will be produced in collaboration with teams from D'Art Shtajio and Sakura Phoenix K.K., and will be available in Japan and the U.S.
N LITE's Mission and Future Plans
- N LITE aims to showcase Black and Indigenous stories through partnerships with global creators.
- The company is working on more afro-anime projects, including films and TV series.
- Upcoming projects include Chiure: Child of the Sea, currently in production.
Sources: N LITE AX 2025 panel, press release
Anime Expo 2025 coverage sponsored by Yen Press and Ize Press.