Keynote Speaker- Justin Roblero, Film Maker
Justin Roblero is a NYC filmmaker, content creator, actor and founder of Afroproductions and BlueBird Studios. He is also the director and producer of the feature documentary “Shades of Otaku.”
Known in the anime community as justafro, Justin’s film company Afroproductions is dedicated to telling stories of underrepresented communities in different genres of film, while BlueBird Studios is a production company that focuses on fantasy and anime-based content.
His primary focus is filmmaking, content creation and entertainment production, while his notable work includes directing the 9 episode web series “The Rotunda” and the short documentary “The Movement.” While on the acting front his credits include small roles in the Netflix Original Series “The Get Down” and Sakinah Iman’s “Hood Meditations.”
Justin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from The City College of New York, where he immersed himself in drama, stage production, and the technical aspects of filmmaking. It was at CCNY that he first began exploring video editing, lighting design, and film production—skills that would become the foundation of his distinctive visual storytelling.
As an Afro-Latino born and raised in the heart of New York City, he saw the nuance in underprivileged communities artistically. Spending his adolescence in both Mount Vernon and The Bronx respectively, what was made clear was the lack of artistic opportunity, education and resources. Driven by a deep commitment to inclusion and artistic excellence, Justin founded Afroproductions, with a mission to deliver genre-diverse cinematic experiences to underrepresented communities.
Through Afroproductions, Justin continues to push boundaries—redefining what representation looks like on screen and building a legacy that empowers the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers. Leading with his passion for anime and geek culture, his voice is not just that of a filmmaker, but a cultural architect shaping a more inclusive future for cinema.
