About Our Organization
AniTOMO is a New York City–based, volunteer-run, community-driven organization sponsored as a nonprofit. We present free or low- cost events designed to promote accessibility and inclusivity while celebrating both pop and traditional Japanese cultures. Its three core activities include the annual AniTOMO Convention, a free event that celebrates the cross-cultural exchange between Brooklyn and Japan, aiming to uplift diverse perspectives and historically underrepresented communities; AniTOMO Plus Ultra Tour, an outreach program inviting BIPOC student voices from high schools across Brooklyn to co-design the annual convention; and AniTOMO Pop Ups, interactive holiday-themed events that celebrate anime and manga in partnership with cultural institutions.
Our Mission
Founded to showcase the ideas of BIPOC trailblazers, in a positive and fun way! This convention aims to bridge the gap for those who can’t afford to attend a traditional convention, all while making new friends with a similar love and interest in Manga, Anime, and overall Japanese Culture. Since its inaugural in 2023, AniTOMO Con has become the nexus for industries connecting manga and anime to spaces where it has not traditionally existed and has touched the hearts and minds of thousands of people in the tri-state area.
Our Vision
A kaleidoscope of events that leverages the potential of groundbreakers to inspire innovation and community.
We hope to see you at our fourth annual convention in 2026!
Meet The Founder
Eileen Level, a champion of the cinema-going experience, has been working in the film festival industry since 2014. She used her talents to launch PaleFO Cinema, to amplify voices through the cinematic arena, and usher in the evolution of the cinescape experience throughout New York City Housing Authority (Public Housing). Level is also the Head of Education at New York International Children's Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying film festival that features films that represent and celebrate unique, diverse, and historically excluded voices to thousands of students throughout NYC and Newark, NJ! In 2023 Level spoke at SXSW on the 90-minute Film School panel about her journey as a budding exhibitor and her mission to quench cinema deserts. Later that year she founded AniTOMO Manga and Anime Convention, a free event in Brooklyn designed to celebrate diverse perspectives from historically underrepresented communities.
Core Pillars Of AniTOMO
On The Hour, Every Hour
At AniTOMO Con, we stand out with our unique approach: hourly FREE giveaways hosted by our generous contributors. These giveaways add excitement to the event, keep attendees engaged, and offer everyone a fair shot at winning exhibit-specific prizes. Join us in our mission to create an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
The Great Anime Debate + Trivia
At AniTOMO, we're renowned for our anime and manga-themed trivia and debates. In collaboration with the American Debate League, our founder has pioneered "The Great Anime Debate," showcased in prominent events across New York, including AnimeNYC. These features are integral to our event, offering engaging experiences that enrich the anime community.
AniTOMO Plus Ultra Tour
From day one it has been AniTOMO Con's mission to include trailblazing voices from marginalized communities as an opportunity to co-design our program of events and ambiance. AniTOMO Town Hall events turn young people into design architects of the convention! The Town Hall meeting focuses on inclusivity, equity, and building friendships in the fandom community, by way of engaging with Japanese culture, manga art, and anime screenings.
A Screening
A significant cornerstone of AniTOMO is a film or episode screening. We believe in providing our audiences with an opportunity to collectively experience the magic of cinema, fostering a sense of shared emotion and connection.