FanCons.co.uk Press Releases


November 20, 2002

News for Big Apple Anime Fest 2003:

Big Apple Anime Fest To Rock New York over Labor Day Weekend, 2003

From Big Apple Anime Fest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ryoko Maebayashi
Liaison Manager, Big Apple Anime Fest
PHONE: (212) 977-5430
FAX: (212) 977-2078
E-MAIL: [email protected]

World Anime Party Returns to Times Square

A Celebration of Anime Manga Culture in the Entertainment Center of the World

New York, New York, November 20, 2002 - The Big Apple Anime Fest (BAAF), the world's largest anime film festival, announced that it will present its 2003 event during Labor Day weekend in New York City, Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31, 2003. The weekend long celebration of Anime Manga Culture will take place at the Marriott Marquis and other venues located in Times Square, the "Crossroads of the World."


The Big Apple Anime Fest, which has been called "The Cannes Film Festival of Anime Manga Culture" as a result of its industry role and media profile, will once again sponsor a variety of activities and organizations under its national promotional umbrella.

"We are extremely excited about our 2003 festival," said Ryoko Maebayashi, Liaison Manager for BAAF. "With BAAF in its third successful year, we're expecting increased industry participation, massive promotion and advertising, and even more attendees. There will be more hot film premieres and major guests from Japan and the U.S. There is no question that BAAF 2003 will be the international anime event of the year."

With over 15,000 anime fans expected to visit Times Square to celebrate Anime Manga Culture over Labor Day weekend, BAAF will provide 35mm film screenings, awards ceremonies, a business and academic symposium, an industry VIP dinner, and fan convention favorites such as video screening rooms, a huge vendor room, guest of honor autograph sessions, live talent panels, the acclaimed Cosplay on Broadway™ costume masquerade events, and much more.

Final programming details and registration information for BAAF 2003 will be released in mid-June, 2003. Constantly updated information may be obtained from the Official BAAF website, www.bigappleanimefest.com. The site will be updated as new information is announced over the coming months.

For further information on BAAF, contact: [email protected]

About Big Apple Anime Fest (BAAF) - http://www.bigappleanimefest.com

The annual Big Apple Anime Fest has been called the "Cannes Film Festival of Anime Manga Culture," presenting more anime feature films in 35 mm format than any other film festival in the world. Dreamworks, TriStar Pictures and Bandai Entertainment are some of the many studios using BAAF to premiere and preview major anime films prior to their national theatrical releases. BAAF events are covered by major media such as the New York Times and CNN, making BAAF the most widely promoted event of its kind.

BAAF is supported by a consortium of companies involved in the anime and manga industry, and is open to all participants. Both the trade and the public are welcome. BAAF's goal is to promote Anime and Manga Culture by providing exciting film and video screenings, live appearances by leading creative talent, extensive merchandise offerings and fan participation events. World Anime Party and Cosplay on Broadway are trademarks of BAAF.