More Chinese, U.S. Companies to Exhibit at Busan Film Market

A total 196 companies from 24 countries will exhibit in Busan’s Asian Film Market (AFM), including newly participating U.S. and Chinese participants.

The South Korean event is a major platform for Asian film projects, in particular international co-productions. It will take place Oct. 5-8 during the 19th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), in an exhibition space that is 30 percent larger than last year to cater to the hike in number of participants according to organizers.

American companies Arclight Films, Fortitude International, Lakeshore Entertainment and XYZ Films will exhibit for the first time. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Radio, Film and Television along with nine film production companies and distributors including Beijing Galloping Horse will set up booths.

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Chinese talent agency Easy Entertainment will also take part in AFM for the first time, for the launching of the Star Casting Market, Busan’s new platform for facilitating cross-border casting decisions.

Korean management giants SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, KeyEast, BH Entertainment, iHQ, Soop Management and King Kong Entertainment will also make their AFM debuts along with Japan’s Astraia. Inc. Major Japanese film distributors to exhibit this year include Toei, Toho, Shochiku and Nikkatsu.

Read more: Busan to Open With Taiwanese Drama ‘Paradise in Service’

The European Film Promotion will feature 38 sales agencies in a pavilion that will be twice the size of last year, while Estonian and Australian state film bodies will make AFM debuts. The Match Factory and Global Screen from Germany, Pyramid International and mk2 from France, and Rai Com from Italy are along among new exhibitors.

 A total 86 films from 15 countries with will receive market screenings, including 69 market premieres. Seventeen official selections of the BIFF including the opener, Taiwanese drama Paradise in Service, will be shown.

Online registration for market badges will be available through Sept. 30.