The West African–inspired project has won the MIPAfrica Inclusive Lens Award in the Older Kids Category, for its bold storytelling, cultural authenticity, and commitment to inclusive representation.
Iyanu, the West African–inspired animated series from Lion Forge Entertainment and Youneek Studios, has won the MIPAfrica Inclusive Lens Award in the Older Kids Category. The honor recognizes the series for its bold storytelling, cultural authenticity, and commitment to inclusive representation.
Iyanu is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment under the leadership of David Steward II and Stephanie Sperber. The project was created by Roye Okupe, who also serves as executive producer and showrunner.
The award follows the debut of Iyanu: The Age of Wonders, the first of two planned animated features, which premiered August 30 on Cartoon Network, and is now streaming on HBO Max and ITVx. The series, which debuted earlier this year on Cartoon Network and HBO Max, was picked up for Season 2, along with the announcement of the two films, this past May.
Iyanu features an all-African voice cast led by Serah Johnson as Iyanu, alongside Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello.
Executive producers on the series include Steward II, Sperber, Kirsten Newland, and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment; Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital; Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group; Doug Schwalbe of Superprod; and Okupe.
Source: Lion Forge Entertainment
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
