MUMBAI: The ongoing 26th American Film Market (AFM) which kicked off on 2 November at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, so far recorded highest number of exhibitors, buyers, screenings and market premieres in comparison to 2004.

The figures states that a record 419 companies from 33 countries are exhibiting at the worlds largest motion picture trade event, including film and television companies, financial institutions, sponsoring organizations and trade media, states an official release.

The eight days exhibition of screenings, deal-making, packaging and licensing will end on 9 November.

The total attendance projected to be more than 7,000. In addition, a record 534 films in 35 languages, up from 459 films in 2004, are slated for screening, including 382 market premieres, also a record.

AFM continues to be the most significant worldwide film and television marketplace,said Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) president and CEO Jean Prewitt. He adds, "The independent film business is global in its scope and the AFM is the premiere event for companies to do business together on every level."

"The AFM's record growth reflects the strength and diversity of the global independent film industry," states IFTA executive vice-president Jonathan Wolf.

IFTA chairman Michael Ryan commented, The future of our business is very bright and the AFM is an ideal venue for anyone involved in the global independent industry to better understand the roadmap to success. The AFM will continue to be responsive to the needs of the industry and help reflect the rapidly changing realities of production and distribution.

AFM is the catalyst for hundreds of films getting financing, packaging, licensing, and the green light each year, sealing over half a billion dollars in business for both completed films and those in pre-production.