Overall attendance for the 29th American Film Market (AFM) was 7,903, it was announced today by Jonathan Wolf, managing director of the AFM and executive vice president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA).

(Cannes Market claimed 10,700 participants this year)

A total of 1,527 buyers representing 65 countries attended the market, which took place from November 5 to November 12. Buyers from the Middle East grew 25% from last year (to 40 from 32). Notable year-to-year buyer attendance from other territories include Russia (+14%), Germany (+7%), Hong Kong (+42%) and Korea (+18%). EDITOR’S NOTE: A country-by-country breakdown of buyer attendance for AFM 2008 is attached for reference.

Exhibitor-affiliated participants (including their executives, producers, talent and guests) totaled 3,791 and industry attendees (non-buyers and sellers) were 1,745. Guests of IFTA at this year’s market numbered 573, while 267 members of the global press corp. were registered. 409 companies from 36 countries exhibited, which marks the fifth straight year the AFM has reached full capacity at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and Le Merigot Beach Hotel. Additionally, 527 films in 35 languages were screened during AFM.
(1,004 films screened in Cannes Market)
AFM 2009 will be held Wednesday, November 4 to Wednesday, November 11.