Editor

American Film Market the Cannes of the US is growing each year and in 2005 they are set to with an impressive up coming market. With a record number of exhibitors, 410 are scheduled to participate this November 2nd to the 9th. For AFM thisgrowth will make this years the largest market in the event's history. Exhibitors will come from 33 countries and with this news the Le Merigot Hotel will now host exhibitors to accommodate the influx of attendance. Le Merigot Hotel is located next door to the Lowes Hotel which has been the host and home of AFM for the past years.

Jonathan Wolf, executive vice president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) and managing director of the American Film Market direction has truly work to developed the awareness of AFM. The partnership of the AFI Film Festival In 2004, has elevated both organizations to have a globular presents in the film industry. Last year AFM moved to November and established a strategic alliance with AFI FEST, creating the only festival-market combination in North America. This alliance has successfully resulted in a unique combination of commerce and culture. This year the AFI FEST will run from November 3-13, 2005.

The 410 exhibitors represent a 15% increase from the 356 companies that exhibited at the November 2004 AFM. The increase is across-the-board, with 24 countries showing an increase in exhibiting companies. Among exhibiting countries new to the AFM this year are Russia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Egypt and Greece.

"Records are great, but what's truly exciting is the breadth of the increase." said Wolf. "With first-time exhibitors coming from 24 countries, it's clear that the global independent film industry is healthy and growing."

Some of the studios and film companies being represented this year are:

U.S.: 2929 International, CineTel Films, Inc., Focus Features, GreeneStreet Films, Lions Gate Films, Myriad Pictures, New Line Cinema, The Weinstein Company, ThinkFilm and First Look Media.

Europe: Celluloid Dreams, StudioCanal, Limelight Distribution, Gaumont (France); Bavaria Film International, Atlas International Film GmbH, Media Luna Entertainment (Germany); Capitol Films, Goldcrest Films International, Icon Entertainment International, Odyssey Entertainment Limited (United Kingdom); Arcadia Motion Pictures, Mortimer Productions (Spain).

Asia: National Film Development Corp, (India); Japan/JETRO, Pony Canyon Inc., TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) (Japan); CJ Entertainment, Show East, Tube Entertainment (South Korea); Fortune Star Entertainment Ltd, Mandarin Films Distribution Co. Ltd, Media Asia Distribution Limited (Hong Kong).

The American Film Market (AFM) is the world's largest motion picture trade event. The AFM is a global marketplace where more than $500 million in motion picture and television production and distribution deals are closed annually. Each year, over 7,000 industry professionals converge in Santa Monica for eight days of deal making, screenings, seminars, networking and hospitality. Participants come from more than 70 countries, and include leaders in motion picture and television production and distribution, directors, agents, writers, lawyers, bankers, festival directors, film commissioners and trade groups. For more information of the AFM, please visit www.americanfilmmarket.com.

The American Film Institute AFI will screen at the Archlight Theaters in Hollywood and will highlight the newest and brightness film to be released this year. For more information on AFI FEST, please visit http://www.afi.com.

Keiko Beatie