FanCons.ca Press Releases


November 30, 2006

News for First Night Boston 2007:

First Night Boston to feature anime for fourth year

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - For the fourth consecutive year, the New England Anime Society has been invited to host a day of anime programming at Boston's New Year's celebration, First Night Boston.

From 1pm through 11pm, the New England Anime Society will be screening episodes from 15 different anime titles. Over the past few years, the anime screenings at First Night Boston have proven to be a great way to introduce Japanese animation to a whole new audience. Many people attending the screenings in the past have not been familiar with anime and were not aware of the wide range of stories that have been told through this medium.

After each screening, the DVD which was screened will be given away to a member of the audience. The giveaway methods will vary throughout the night. Some will be given away to the first person to correctly answer a trivia question, some will be given away to the best costume, and some will be given away completely randomly.

Additionally, representatives of Anime Boston 2007 will be on hand to answer your questions about the upcoming convention. They will also be accepting pre-registrations in person before the next membership rate increase on January 1st.

The First Night celebration serves as a showcase for Boston's cultural and artistic communities through over 250 exhibitions and performances by both local and internationally recognized artists. First Night attracts a total audience of more than 1.5 million people annually. The unique concept that originated in Boston 30 years ago has served as a model for more than 200 similar celebrations worldwide. First Night has truly become a cherished Boston tradition.

First Night New Year's Eve activities take place from 1pm to midnight on December 31st at over 40 indoor and outdoor venues throughout downtown Boston. The purchase of a First Night Button grants admission to venues featuring the best in theatre, dance, music, visual arts and film. Museums, theaters, churches and performance centers open their doors to First Night Button holders throughout the entire day. Popular attractions include the Family Festival at the Hynes Convention Center with its interactive activities for all ages, gigantic ice sculptures on Copley Square and the Boston Common, two glittering fireworks display, and a Mardi Gras-style Grand Procession that sweeps through the streets of Boston.

More information on First Night Boston can be found at www.firstnight.org. More information on the New England Anime Society's anime screenings as well as a complete screening schedule can be found at firstnight.neanime.org.

About The New England Anime Society:
The New England Anime Society, Inc. is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to further American understanding of Japanese language and culture through written and visual media. Founded in 2001, The New England Anime Society, Inc. is also the producer of Anime Boston (www.animeboston.com), the largest Japanese animation convention in the northeast with an attendance of nearly 10,000 people.

About First Night Boston:
First Night Boston is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It is supported by public and private contributions, sponsorships, and through the admission sales of the First Night button. First Night Boston is grateful for the support of its major sponsors: The City of Boston, Thomas M. Menino, Mayor; CBS4, The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Verizon Yellow Pages, The Boston Foundation, the Linde Family Foundation, an Anonymous Foundation, Massachusetts Cultural Council, GVCVB, the MBTA and Boston Metro, First Night's media partners include The Boston Parents Paper, Bay State Banner, the River 92.5, WFNX, WCRB, Clear Channel Outdoor, Boston.com, Edgeboston.com and Wall USA. In addition, the non-commercial Folk Radio WUMB offers promotional support.