Crunchyroll will join ABFF London x S.O.U.L. Fest this September for “Beyond the Screen: Black Talent, Anime, and the Future of Storytelling” a live conversation exploring the growing influence of anime across Black culture, sport, music and creative storytelling.

Presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment with Crunchyroll, the panel brings together Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect co-host LeAlec Murray, West Ham United footballer Kyle Walker-Peters and rapper and manga author Shao Dow, moderated by award-winning multimedia journalist Raquel Harris.

The conversation will explore how anime has grown beyond the screen to influence creative identity, performance, world-building and fandom around the world, while looking at the role Black creatives, athletes and fans continue to play in shaping anime culture and the future of global entertainment.

From the themes and characters that resonate with Black audiences to anime’s increasingly visible influence across football, music and popular culture, the panel will offer personal perspectives on why the medium has built such a strong connection with a new generation of fans.

EVENT DETAILS

Beyond the Screen: Black Talent, Anime, and the Future of Storytelling

Saturday, 12 September 2026

12:30 PM

NFT2, BFI Southbank, London