Artwork by Kofi M Bazzell-Smith
Join us for "Melanated and Animated", a celebration of Black and Japanese culture featuring a panel discussion with industry guests and a private screening of Afro Samurai. Brought to you by the Japanese Arts Foundation, Logan Theater, Anime Chicago, and I Play Games.
"Melanated and Animated" is a unique event that highlights the intersections of Black and Japanese culture. Presented by the Japanese Arts Foundation and supported by the Logan Theatre, Anime Chicago, House of Suntory, and I Play Games, this event brings together a diverse group of industry guests for a panel discussion exploring the ways in which Black and Japanese cultures have influenced each other. Following the panel discussion, attendees can enjoy a private screening of the director’s cut of the critically acclaimed anime series Afro Samurai.
This event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the fascinating connections between these two cultures and celebrate their contributions to art, media, and entertainment. Don't miss out on this exciting and thought-provoking event!
In addition to the film screening and panel, this event will feature complimentary House of Suntory highballs, original artwork poster by manga artist Kofi Bazzel-Smith , music by Lost in Kyoto, and onsite gaming courtesy of I Play Games!
PANELISTS
Derrick Fields
Game designer, professor, and digital artist creating media exploring Black and Japanese cultural intersections. Their work primarily focuses on increasing the representation in games, and the provision of resources to new creators who are considering a path in the medium. Founder, Director of Waking Oni Games | Assistant Professor of Instruction at Northwestern University | Board Member of Black Voices in Gaming | Board Member of the Video Game Art Gallery
Kofi Bazzel -Smith
Artist and MFA Candidate in New Media at the University of Illinois, and a professional boxer. Kofi learned Japanese and traveled to Japan several times to study manga and produce works in English and Japanese. Currently engaged in an interdisciplinary fellowship with the Humanities Research Institute, his central research question is: “How can the pursuit of an art form from another culture serve to produce new knowledge?” Kofi’s work comes at the intersection of Japan’s efforts to globalize via popular culture and the recognition that comic studies is gaining in academia as a generative lens for examining socio-cultural phenomena. His goal as an artist scholar is to champion these movements, publish manga in Japan, and pioneer teaching manga production in the United States.
Isaiah Colbert
Staff writer at the video games news site, Kotaku. Aside from writing daily news articles and video game reviews, Isaiah also serves as the "Otaku of Kotaku" and creates weekly YouTube videos reviewing seasonal anime.
Grace Z.
HR professional working in engagement, culture, and DEI. She loves anime and building community, and officially joined the AnimeChicago Board in 2020. For AnimeChicago she acts as MC in our major events, and helps in the background with policy development and editing.
Jeremy Harris
Analyst and programmer supporting enterprise data management. He has been an AnimeChicago member since 2012 and a board member since 2014. Jeremy loves discussing anime with fellow fans, and is the main moderator for AnimeChicago’s Anime Circle discussions.
Special Guests:
Lost In Kyoto DJ Set
Created in 2017 in the break room of the Apple Store after discovering a mobile DJ app. From there, founders Joestar The DJ and Genkai created the brand mixing the sounds of House, Hip Hop, Afro Beat and Future Beats. Pairing those sound elements with nostalgic visuals ranging from 90’s Black pop culture to Anime we wanted to take our listeners beyond Chicago. Throughout the Rhythm of the music. Our heart beats in unison with the sound. Come with us on this journey and get Lost in Kyoto.
Photography by Tj Walker
Born and raised in Chicago, has been photographing in and around the area for 9 years. Making photos as a way to document, explore and honor various communities, identities and subcultures.
*Please note this is a 21+ event