The BAAF (Big Apple Anime Fest) has announced that the consumer electronics giant Panasonic has again pledged its support for the annual event, which takes place Labor Day weekend, August 30th through September 2nd. Panasonic will be serving as the official Audio/Visual technology supplier for the festival. BAAF will be displaying two 15-second anime clips throughout the day on NBC Astrovision by Panasonic, which is right in Times Square. The segments will run for one week, from August 26th through September 2nd.

The tremendous screen in Times Square will feature special BAAF titles, including World Premiere and Exclusive Sneak Preview titles from TriStar Pictures and Dreamworks. Also, clips from classic titles, from companies such as Central Park Media, will be shown as well.

The BAAF, which will take place over Labor Day weekend, is known as the largest anime film festival in America. The BAAF is also the biggest contributor to the Anime Expo New York, an event that features many things to keep the attendees happy, such as an exhibitors hall, creative panels, and a costume party. The Anime Expo New York events will be held at locations around Times Square, including the Virgin Megastore and the Marriot Marquis Hotel.

Many anime legends will be Guests of Honor at the festival this year. Directors Daichi Akitaroh and Yoshiyuki, anime producer, Maki Taro, and voice actors Mandy Bonhomme, Rachael Lillis, Liam O'Brien, Ed Paul, Eric Stuart, and Jimmy Zoppi are expected to appear.

Festival attendees will be able to witness the premier of the theatrical English dubbed version of Cowboy Bebop, which is scheduled for a theatrical release by TriStar Pictures in early 2003. Cowboy Bebop director, Shinichiro Watanabe, score composer, Yoko Kanno and Character Designer, Toshihirp Kawamoto will be on hand to meet their multitude of fans.