The 47th Marché du Film shines under Asia's bright lights

The 47th Marché du Film , which took place at the Festival de Cannes from May 17th – 27th, ends with positive results . Strong international participation from industry professionals, combined with the large number of films on offer, made for a very harmonious event that was appreciated by all. The general level of satisfaction reflects the positive evolution across all the indicators measured by the Marché du Film.

This year, 10,061 professionals were registered, from 91 countries, compared to 9,476 and 83 countries in 2005, figures which indicate an average rise of 6%. The strong progression from Asia is worth pointing out,

particularly China, with 82 participants (compared to 41 last year), India, with 131 participants (compared to 88 in 2005), Japan, with 472 participants (418 last year) as well as the arrival of 6 new countries (Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji Islands, Georgia and Saudi Arabia). The Latin American presence was also on the rise: Argentina counted 48 present compared to last year’s 31, and Brazil went from 84 in 2005 to 105 this year. Some Eastern European countries, such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Serbia and

Slovenia, also show a noticeable increase in participation.

3,797 companies registered with the Marché du Film in 2006. Production (41%), theatrical distribution (18%) and international sales (7%) are the main activities of these companies.

Sale companies presented 4,569 titles this year (3,681 in 2005), 2,200 of which are in development or in production. The films come from Europe (47%), USA (30%), Asia (18%) and Latin America (5% ). 984 films, 766 of

which were premieres, gave rise to 1,541 screenings shown in the 30 screens of the Marché du Film, totalling 41,750 admissions.

All these rising indicators confirm the prominent place, unanimously recognized by the professionals, that the Festival de Cannes and its Marché du Film hold on the international film scene.