Yas Island to host Emirati-Japanese fusion of pop-culture and art at the biggest regional ANI:ME Festival this month

• UAE residents have opportunity to win cash and event prizes, and represent the UAE on the world’s stage through the World Cosplay Competition in Japan 2017
• Specially commissioned artwork depicting local anime characters and of UAE native species, the Arabian Oryx, to be showcased
• Legendary artist Yoshitaka Amano’s famed sculpture, The Panther, will be put up for sale for first time ever (valued at USD3.5+ million)

Dubai, UAE, October 11, 2016:    Yas Island, UAE: Emirati-Japanese pop-culture and art will be on full display as Yas Island gets ready to host the biggest regional ANI:ME Festival – a three-day event taking place 27th to 29th October at the du Forum which will see a line-up of celebrity anime stars, and a showcase of the best of Japanese manga, anime, games, fashion, culinary delights, art for sale and more. 

Mohamed Abdulla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral said: “Just a couple of weeks ago, we launched the new and vibrant Yas Island brand where we promised the community that this Emirati-bred, world-class destination would bring to them a plethora of leisure, cultural, social, and business attractions suited for all audiences. With this Emirati-Japanese pop-culture and art festival - the biggest event of its kind the region – we’re delivering on our promise, and we couldn’t be more excited to be the ones hosting it.” 

ANi:ME organisers are also giving two UAE residents the chance to represent the UAE at an international cosplay  event in Japan, at the world finals of the World Cosplay Summit  2017.

“The appreciation and love of anime has been growing in the region for quite some time – since the 70s in fact,” said Arafaat Ali Khan, Director of Communications, of The Alliance, the organisers of ANI:ME Festival, as well as the wildly successful Middle East Film & Comic Con. “Our goal with ANI:ME Festival is not only to provide a platform for international artists and talent, but also for UAE and regional residents to showcase their creativity and talent. The additions to our line-up of entertainment, talent and anime stars, as well as introduction of the first UAE leg of the World Cosplay Competition help in fostering and inspiring local and regional anime artists, illustrators and other creative talent.”

Emirati-Japanese culture will be showcased with artwork that has been commissioned especially for the ANI:ME Festival.  Artwork depicting local anime characters alongside an Arabian Oryx – a species native to the UAE – has been developed in consultation with well-known anime artist Long Vo. Vo, who over the past 15 years has worked as a comic creator, illustrator and art director for companies such as Disney, Marvel, Warner Bros, and DC, will also appear at the event. 

Organizers are pleased to confirm the attendance of Yoshitaka Amano, the legendary artist best known for his work on the Final Fantasy franchise.  An icon in the world of anime, Amano will be available for fan meet and greets, and he will display over USD4 million worth of art, including his famed sculpture, The Panther, which, weighing in at 400kg and valued at over USD3.5 million, will be put up for sale for the first ever at the event on Yas Island.  Ten additional pieces of his art, valued at over USD1 million, will also available for purchase.

Among the other artists confirmed for ANI:ME are Melbourne-based comic book artist, Jeffrey “Chamba” Cruz; Edwin Huang; international cosplayer, Phil Mizuno; Todd Haberkor; Steven D’Onforio; and ethereal rising J-pop star, Cuushe. 

Through hosting ANI:ME, the UAE has become an official leg in the tightly contested and hugely successful World Cosplay Competition (WCS). Those registering for either cosplay competition (below) will also be given 2 free weekend passes to the event.
•    Open to UAE residents - Friday, October 28th: One team of two people have the chance to represent the UAE in the worldwide championship to be held in Japan in 2017.  
•    Open to all visitors - Saturday, October 29th: One competitor has the opportunity to win USD7,000 and a PlayStation 4.  

ANI:ME Festival will feature some of the best Japanese anime, manga, cinema, music, games, fashion, culinary delights as well as traditional Japanese culture in the Japan Culture Village. Tickets are now on sale at Virgin Megastores and through the Ticketmaster website. For more information on how to make this a fulfilled animated weekend, visit www.yasisland.ae  .  Those wishing to register for one of the two cosplay competitions must do so before 18 October online at www.animeabudhabi.com.