16/06/2006

Over 300 participants – among them approximately 100 buyers from 36 countries, producers, journalists, international sales agents and European film commissions - are expected to attend the Madrid de Cine-Spanish Screenings, a new market to be held from June 17-20.

The event includes the screening of about 50 Spanish films – recent and upcoming titles – and participants will also have access to a video archive featuring over 140 local productions.

Organised by the Spanish Federation of Audiovisual Producers (FAPAE) and backed by the Institute of External Commerce (ICEX), ICAA, the City of Madrid, the Entrepreneurial Confederation of Madrid and the Madrid Film Commission, Madrid de Cine aims to enhance the international sales of Spanish production and to promote the region of Madrid as a privileged shooting location.

Replacing the former Lanzarote Screenings, Madrid de Cine is expected "to form part of the international calendar as a must for buyer", according to optimistically-minded Pedro Perez, president of the producers' federation FAPAE, at a recent press conference.

Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón also took the opportunity to stress the importance of the capital in the framework of the local industry: "Madrid is home to 60% of the local production and distribution companies, as well 75% of all audiovisual production. Thanks to its 25.7m moviegoers, Madrid constitutes the major point of exhibition of local and international productions".