“The Ultimate Animation Power Summit is Back—And It’s Bigger Than Ever!”
The AfroAnimation Summit is back, bigger and better than ever! From April 3-5, 2025, the fifth edition of this groundbreaking event will take over Burbank, bringing together top animation and gaming industry leaders, artists, and creatives from around the world. If you’re passionate about animation and diversity in storytelling, this is the place to be.
A Powerhouse Event for BIPOC Creators
Founded by Keith White and Rio Cyrus, the AfroAnimation Summit has grown into a must-attend event for BIPOC animators, storytellers, and industry professionals. With the support of animation heavyweights like Walt Disney Animation Studios, Netflix, Pixar, Lucasfilm, LAIKA Studios, Lion Forge, Toon Boom, Wacom, and Disney Television Animation, the summit offers unparalleled networking, career development, and industry insight.
The FRWD Awards: Honoring Excellence in Animation
One of the event’s biggest highlights is the prestigious FRWD Awards Dinner on April 4 at Castaway Burbank. This star-studded evening will recognize the best in animation from the past year, celebrating films, series, and voice-over performances that champion diversity. Some of the powerhouse nominees include Pharrell Williams, Viola Davis, Lupita Nyong’o, and Angela Bassett—so expect a night of inspiration and well-deserved accolades.
Exclusive Screening: Iyanu
A major draw for this year’s summit is the highly anticipated screening of Iyanu, an animated fantasy hero series deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, mythology, and music. Created by Roye Okupe, Iyanu is set to premiere on Cartoon Network and Max and is being produced by Lion Forge Entertainment—the same studio behind the Oscar-winning short Hair Love.
The exclusive screening will take place on April 3 at 12:30 PM PT at the AMC Burbank 16 Theater, followed by an in-depth discussion featuring Okupe and his creative team. If you love bold, culturally rich storytelling, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Why Burbank?
Dubbed the “animation capital of the world”, Burbank is home to industry titans like Netflix, Walt Disney Animation, and Cartoon Network. This makes it the perfect backdrop for the AfroAnimation Summit, where up-and-coming talent and industry legends come together to shape the future of animation.
How to Attend
Ready to join the action? Registration, event details, and travel accommodations can be found at www.afroanimation.com. Whether you’re an aspiring animator, a seasoned professional, or just a fan of great storytelling, the AfroAnimation Summit 2025 promises an unforgettable experience.
Get ready for three days of inspiration, collaboration, and celebration—this is one summit you don’t want to miss!
