The International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF) has confirmed that the US film festival, AFI FEST presented by Audi: AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival, has applied for accreditation of the 2006 edition.

The international film producers community that FIAPF represents has decided to recognise the 2006 edition of AFI FEST (November 2 – 12, 2006) celebrating its 20th Anniversary, as a festival with an international competition which specialises in narrative feature films directed by first or second time film-makers, as well as documentary films. Additionally, the festival includes a very large panorama of international features and short films.

With a high level programme as well as impressive facilities based in Hollywood, AFI FEST is one of the most promising festivals in North America. Recently AFI signed an agreement with the American Film Market (AFM) and both events have been taking place in Los Angeles at the same period since 2004.
FIAPF regulations for international film festivals as a trust contract between accredited events and producers is the heart of FIAPF policy for festivals : accredited festivals commit themselves to implementing high level standards in respect to the films programmed (i.e. their promotion among buyers and press, the quality of the organisation and in the prevention against piracy).
“With the rising number of festivals around the globe and the risk of piracy during events, FIAPF accreditation states clear rules both for festivals and right holders. As a quality label, FIAPF accreditation fully contributes to the development of the festival and guarantees efficient promotion among professionals worldwide. In an increasingly competitive sector, festivals need adapted regulatory frameworks : FIAPF is the natural sphere to prevent conflicts between festivals under the auspices of the profession. Any festival with strong development expectations has an interest to be included.” Valérie Lépine-Karnik, FIAPF Director General says. “I want to thank again AFI FEST’s Director Christian Gaines and the teams at IFTA and AFM, whose support was a big help in FIAPF's decision to consider AFI FEST’s accreditation.”

AFI FEST is the first US competitive film festival to obtain FIAPF accreditation. The most important film festivals are recognised by FIAPF. Among them are: Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Venice, Pusan, London, Mar del Plata…
“Producers need references to understand the changing festival world. This remains true for foreign producers in respect to the high number of US festivals. FIAPF accreditation is a key tool for a large number of international right holders. We hope that the decision of AFI FEST to apply and our positive answer will contribute to establishing closer collaboration in the future with other historical and emerging US festivals” Valérie Lépine- Karnik adds.

Websites :
www.fiapf.org
www.AFI.com/AFIFEST