Cameroonian-American Philadelphia 76ers center and former NBA MVP Joel Embiid has joined the producing team of “Mfinda,” an upcoming anime feature from the Tokyo- and LA-based studio N Lite. Embiid comes on board through his production company Miniature Géant, launched in partnership with LeBron James’ Uninterrupted.
Embiid will also executive produce a companion documentary, “Mfinda: Spirits of the Congo,” which will explore the film’s inspirations and behind-the-scenes production.
Joel Embiid
Credit: Maggie Zerbe
Set in 1970s Kinshasa, “Mfinda” follows 13-year-old Odi, who escapes into the mystical Mfinda forest during the Congo Crisis. There, she’s transported back to the 1600s Kingdom of Kongo, where she meets another lost girl. The pair searches for a magical Nkisi that may help them return home.
The film boasts an international roster of collaborators. Alongside Miniature Géant, producers include GKIDS (acquired last year by iconic Japanese studio Toho), Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions and anime legend Masao Maruyama (“Perfect Blue,” “Millennium Actress”).
“I’ve always been an anime fan, and being part of this project is a great opportunity to help bring meaningful stories to life,” said Embiid. “Miniature Géant is focused on giving new voices a creative platform. This partnership and developing an African anime story felt like a natural fit for us.”
Anime’s influence among athletes, particularly Black and African audiences, was a motivating factor in the collaboration, according to the partners. That alignment is a key focus for N Lite and Miniature Géant’s forthcoming documentary, which will trace the making of the film and spotlight the Congolese traditions, stories and artists that inspired it.
“Mfinda: Spirits of the Congo” will be produced by N Lite and Miniature Géant, with Embiid and Miniature Géant’s Sarah Kazadi-Ndoye executive producing. James and Uninterrupted co-founder Maverick Carter will also serve as executive producers.
“We built N Lite to create untapped stories we never saw growing up — stories that reveal the universality and captivating reach our culture has on people around the world,” said Christiano Terry, N Lite founder and CEO, who also serves as co-creator, writer and producer on “Mfinda.” “Joel Embiid’s involvement and the support of LeBron James and Maverick Carter are a powerful affirmation of our mission. They are not just world-class athletes — they are cultural leaders that understand the power and purpose of timeless storytelling.”
With “Mfinda,” N Lite continues its push into globally resonant, culturally specific storytelling, aiming to bridge Japan, Hollywood and Africa under one banner.
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