International Manga and Anime Festival Seeks Entries

The first-ever annual international competition to identify the best in “manga” and “anime” talent in the world has been launched, with $75,000 worth of prizes to be won.

A panel of experts including internationally renowned manga writer Koike Kazuo, author of “Crying Freeman” and “Lone Wolf and Cub,” and British manga fan Pete Waterman will judge the entrants to the competition and prizes will be awarded in January/February 2005 in the following categories:

Best Short Animation
Best Storyboard
Best Character

Within each category, prizes will be awarded for work appealing to young children, teenagers or adults, reflecting the wide appeal of the manga genre. Each category prize will be worth $5,000, with a first prize of $30,000 for the best overall entry. The deadline for entries is November 30th 2004. Entry forms can be downloaded from the IMAF website, which has full terms and conditions of the competition.

Work from selected entrants will be exhibited at the first annual International Manga and Anime Festival, which is to be held at the historic London County Hall from December 16th – 19th. The festival will show an original and exciting mix of “manga” and “anime” from around the world in both a modern and original environment. Anime will be on display in and around the prestigious Debating Chamber within London County Hall, with other displays being held in the elegant Riverside Suites overlooking the River Thames, Houses of Parliament and London Eye.