Crunchyroll Presents Beyond the Screen: Black Talent, Anime, and the Future of Storytelling at ABFF London x S.O.U.L. Fest
Share the Force:
Phil Roberts 
Crunchyroll’s LeAlec Murray, West Ham United’s Kyle Walker-Peters and manga author Shao Dow come together at BFI Southbank to explore anime’s influence on Black creativity, sport, culture and global fandom.
Anime’s influence continues to reach far beyond the screen, and this September, Crunchyroll is heading to ABFF London x S.O.U.L. Fest to explore exactly how the medium is shaping Black culture, creativity and storytelling.
Titled “Beyond the Screen: Black Talent, Anime, and the Future of Storytelling,” the live conversation will examine anime’s growing impact across Black culture, sport, music and the wider creative landscape. Presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment in collaboration with Crunchyroll, the panel will bring together Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect co-host LeAlec Murray, West Ham United footballer Kyle Walker-Peters, and rapper and manga author Shao Dow. Award-winning multimedia journalist Raquel Harris will moderate the discussion.
BEYOND THE SCREEN
The panel will explore how anime has evolved from a beloved form of entertainment into a powerful influence on creative identity, performance, world-building and fandom around the globe. It will also spotlight the role Black creatives, athletes, and fans play in shaping anime culture and helping define the future of global entertainment. From the characters and themes that resonate with Black audiences to anime’s growing presence in football, music and popular culture, the conversation will offer personal perspectives on why the medium has forged such a powerful connection with a new generation of fans.
With anime continuing to break down cultural boundaries and inspire creators across the globe, “Beyond the Screen” promises a fascinating look at where the medium is heading next—and the diverse voices helping shape its future.
EVENT DETAILS
Beyond the Screen: Black Talent, Anime, and the Future of Storytelling
Saturday, 12 September 2026
12:30 PM
NFT2, BFI Southbank, London
Tickets are £6.50 and can be purchased from the BFI website HERE
PANELS
The panel forms part of ABFF London, the European edition of the American Black Film Festival’s international event series, produced in partnership with S.O.U.L. Fest. Taking place 11–13 September at BFI Southbank, the festival brings together screenings, conversations, masterclasses and networking, celebrating Black storytelling and creative collaboration across the African diaspora.
With anime continuing to influence everything from football and music to fashion, fandom and storytelling, “Beyond the Screen” arrives at the perfect time. Bringing together voices from across the worlds of sport, music and anime, the conversation promises to shine a spotlight on the creativity, passion and cultural connections driving the medium forward. For fans and creators alike, this discussion looks set to go far beyond the screen.
Exciting times ahead!
Will you be booking tickets for “Beyond the Screen”? Drop a comment in the chat below.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
