Joel Embiid: ‘Mfinda’ Animated Film – Executive Producer
- Philadelphia 76ers center and 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid is expanding his role into the world of animation.
- The announcement includes plans for Embiid to also executive produce Mfinda: Spirits of the Congo, a documentary exploring the inspirations and production of this "afro-anime." Sarah Kazadi-ndoye from...
- The film, set in 1970s Kinshasa, follows Odi, a 13-year-old girl who escapes into the Mfinda forest during the Congo Crisis.
Joel Embiid, the NBA MVP, takes on a new role, becoming an executive producer for the Congolese anime film “Gun”! Alongside his production company, miniature Géant, Embiid is also producing a documentary, “Mfinda: Spirits of the Congo,” exploring the anime’s creation. The film, set in Kinshasa, tells a compelling story inspired by Congolese folklore, adding a fresh perspective to the anime landscape. This venture is in partnership with LeBron James’ Uninterrupted. News Directory 3 reports further details of this exciting project. Anime Expo attendees can catch a behind-the-scenes look. Find out what other surprises “Mfinda” has in store…
Embiid Takes on Executive Producer Role in Congolese anime Film
Updated June 28, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center and 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid is expanding his role into the world of animation. embiid, through his production company Miniature Géant in partnership with LeBron James’ Uninterrupted, has signed on as an executive producer for Gun, an upcoming anime feature inspired by Congolese folklore. The film is the flagship project of N LITE, a studio based in Tokyo and Los Angeles.
The announcement includes plans for Embiid to also executive produce Mfinda: Spirits of the Congo, a documentary exploring the inspirations and production of this “afro-anime.” Sarah Kazadi-ndoye from Miniature Géant will join James and Maverick Carter from Uninterrupted as executive producers.
The film, set in 1970s Kinshasa, follows Odi, a 13-year-old girl who escapes into the Mfinda forest during the Congo Crisis. She is transported to the 1600s Kingdom of Kongo,where she and another lost girl seek a magical Nkisi to return home. Patience Lekien, a Congolese-American artist, and Christiano Terry, N LITE’s founder and CEO, created the original story.
The project boasts an remarkable team, including anime producer Masao Maruyama (Perfect Blue) and director Gisaburō Sugii (Street Fighter II).GKIDS, now owned by Toho, will handle distribution, with Viola Davis and Julius tennon’s JuVee Productions also attached.
Arthell Isom, founder of D’ART Shtajio, the first American-owned and Black-owned anime studio in Japan, will co-direct. Donald H. Hewitt (Spirited Away), Lekien, Terry, and Japanese writer Mika Abe (Forest of Piano) are writing the screenplay.
Embiid, who is cameroonian and American, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “I’ve always been an anime fan, and being part of this project is a great opportunity to help bring meaningful stories to life,” Embiid said. “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.”
What’s next
A panel at Anime Expo on July 4 will offer a behind-the-scenes look at Gun, featuring the film’s creative team. Jaden Smith will also share a video message with updates.The panel is scheduled for 5 p.m. in room 403AB of the L.A. Convention Center.