Our Journey
N LITE was born out of the word “enlightenment". From the Buddhist traditional meanings of the “awakening” to the African meanings of becoming “united with the light,” N LITE recognizes the role of storytelling as a medium to depict the world as it is and as we wish to see it. Our motto is to ignite the infinite possibilities of imagination.
N LITE’s journey began with a dream and a notebook full of stories from its founder, Christiano Terry. Inspired by his grandmother’s tales of distant lands and African mythology, Christiano set out to create a company that honors storytelling as both a cultural legacy and a source of infinite imagination. What started as a personal vision has since grown into a global movement.
N LITE coined the term afrime™ (afro-anime) in 2021 and founded Studio N LITE in Tokyo. N LITE has since partnered with some of the most prolific producers and creators in Japan that include legendary anime producer Masao Maruyama (Ninja Scroll, Perfect Blue, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Summer Wars, PLUTO), to bring a new era of anime to life with their flagship film MFINDA and an exciting slate of afro-anime films, series, and short films.
N LITE has also partnered with trailblazing talent in Hollywood that includes Oscar winning actress Viola Davis and JuVee Productions (The Woman King), Oscar winning Director Peter Ramsey (Spider Man: Into the Spider Verse), and the Oscar winning GKIDS (Boy and the Heron). By bringing together a team of passionate artists, producers, and directors, N LITE blends authentic African narratives with innovative Japanese animation techniques to bring untapped stories to life.
N LITE has now expanded its world of afro-anime to merchandise and apparel with the launch of nlite.shop and an exclusive partnership with the top global anime streetwear brand HYPLAND.
Pioneering the Future of Afrime™ (Afro-Anime)
A World of Stories Await
N LITE’s creative vision extends beyond a single story. With MFINDA set to debut soon, we are on the verge of releasing a project that merges African mythology with Japanese anime artistry. This groundbreaking film represents just the beginning of our mission. As we continue to collaborate with world-class talent, our vision for upcoming projects promises to bring even more diverse and captivating narratives to life. Stay tuned as we build a future where stories from all corners of the globe find their voice.
MFINDA
ムフィンダ
An original afrime (afro-anime) feature film by N LITE
A 13-year-old Congolese girl is transported to the Mfinda, a primordial forest of spirits, gods, and ancestors. There she joins another young girl from a different time, and embarks on a journey to find the magical Nkisi in hopes of finding her way back home.
Created by: Patience Lekien & Christiano Terry
Production Companies: Studio N LITE, Studio M2, GKIDS, JuVee Productions
Producers: Masao Maruyama, Christiano Terry, Shin Koyamada
Director: Giaburō Sugii
Co-Director: Arthell Isom
Screenplay by: Donald H. Hewitt, Mika Abe, Christiano Terry
(PRE-PRODUCTION)
Upcoming
At the forefront of storytelling and animation, we’re constantly pushing creative boundaries. Stay tuned for exciting new projects that blend cultural heritage, powerful narratives, and stunning visuals. From epic fantasy to fresh takes on classic tales, our upcoming releases are designed to captivate and inspire. Be the first to explore the worlds we're bringing to life!
From the moment we saw the first early drawings and treatment, we fell in love with the project and committed to help bring Patience’s vision to life.
— Eric BeckmanFounder & CEO of GKIDS
We are excited to be in business with N Lite, bringing the first afro-anime Mfinda to global audiences.
— Julius Tennon & Melanie ClarkJuVee Productions
When Christiano and I met in Japan earlier this year, his enthusiasm for the film compelled me to join. I’m ready to tell a story about the positive power of spirits and community that will resonate in Japan and around the world.
— Masao MaruyamaProducer and Animation Legend
