For decades, Kyoto Animation and their talented team of visionaries have gifted the world with animated works that have inspired and influenced countless lives around the world.



In a world where nearly anything, including Japanese anime, can be reduced to a commodity, Kyoto Animation’s productions are distinguishable as some of the world’s most heartfelt, soulful and beautifully crafted works. Sentai Filmworks has been honored to have had the opportunity to represent many of those works outside Japan including K-ON!, Beyond the Boundary, and Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions. And, like all of you, we know KyoAni through those creative works.



On July 18, 2019, the Kyoto Animation family was viciously and senselessly attacked. The full extent of this tragedy is only now coming into full view. More than thirty people lost their lives and scores of others were seriously injured. The purpose of this drive is to collect funds for their benefit. Our team in Japan is in communication with KyoAni representatives.



Sentai Filmworks launched this drive but the movement has been propelled entirely by the generosity and kindness of people like you who have been touched by Kyoto Animation’s works over the years. The level of support and the fundraising that has been achieved so far is a testament to the positive impact KyoAni has had on the lives and the imaginations of so many around the world.



We plan to end the fundraising phase of this drive on July 31. After this drive concludes, we intend to deliver 100% of the funds directly to those in need, either directly through Kyoto Animation, or through partnering with a local, Japan-based organization that can ensure that funds are delivered to the KyoAni staff and their families impacted. We are working with our contacts in Japan in coordination with KyoAni to finalize this plan.



No funds will be withdrawn until the plan for aid distribution is completed and approved in cooperation with KyoAni. We will provide the details of that final plan in a follow-up post on this page.





Update: 7/18/19 8:15am CST



Although the situation is still developing, it is clear that our friends at Kyoto Animation (KyoAni) have suffered greatly. In addition to the loss of life, many lives will be forever changed. Like all of you, we wanted to take action to help however we can. That is the purpose of this Gofundme effort.



We’ve known KyoAni through their many works that have inspired, influenced and entertained us over the years. They are true masters of their art and one of Japan’s national treasures.



Your pledges and the funds we raise are intended to provide the most direct, meaningful assistance possible to the victims of this heartbreaking tragedy. We are coordinating with others in the Japanese anime industry within Japan to ensure that funds collected reach those in need. We will continue to provide updates as those details develop.



For now, I want to thank everyone for their kindness, generosity and support of this effort. The outpouring of pledges and messages of support has been tremendous. Please help us continue this effort.



John Ledford

Sentai Filmworks

President

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