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.
Work from selected entrants will be on show 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 organisers promise an original and exciting mix of Manga and Anime from around the world.
Anime will be on show in and around the prestigious Debating Chamber within London County Hall using the latest AV technology, with other displays being held in the elegant Riverside Suites overlooking the River Thames, Houses of Parliament and London Eye.
Organiser of IMAF DR Andre Singer, said: "We are looking for fabulous new talent wherever it is.
"The popularity of manga and anime is increasing worldwide, and the competition will create a new forum for manga artists and manga animators, whether professional or amateur, to show the dynamic scope of their 'fantastical pictures' and stories in the wonderful world of Manga."
A panel of experts including Internationally renowned manga writer, Koike Kazuo, who wrote the acclaimed Samurai Executioner, Crying Freeman, Lone Wolf and Cub plus the very well-know music producer and manga fan Pete Waterman, will judge the entrants to the competition.
And Dr Singer says we often underestimate manga's appeal
He said: "The widespread influence of Manga is considerable but has received little acknowledgement by Western audiences. The Lion King and Finding Nemo were based on anime, and there are hundreds of examples of Western-style animated movies taking their inspiration from manga."
"It's now time for manga and anime to gain full international recognition and we have created a new focus for manga through an international Festival together with the setting up of an animation centre, CHASE, here at London County Hall, lead by Manga experts from all over the world including Japan, South America, Europe and China."
Prizes will be awarded in January/February 2005 in: 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 on www.imaf.co.uk which has full terms and conditions of the competition.
