The Governments of Canada and the Atlantic provinces are helping Atlantic Canadian artists bring their work to the silver screen and world stage thanks to their support of the Atlantic Film Festival�s Strategic Partners Co-production Market and Inspired Series. This international business development program gives artists access to the top industry professionals in the world through its various training, marketing and networking activities. The events run in conjunction with the film festival from September 17-26 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the important cultural and economic contributions Atlantic Canada�s television, film and music industry professionals make to our region," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). "We believe it�s important to invest in initiatives like the Strategic Partners and Inspired Series events because of their success in creating new market opportunities, attracting new investment and helping cultural industries and our economy grow."

"With the continued growth of Newfoundland and Labrador�s film industry comes new employment and economic benefits to people in all regions of the province," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. "At this year�s festival, the Government of Newfoundland　and　Labrador, in collaboration with industry partners, will be working to highlight the increasing volume of activity in the province. We are excited about showcasing the province�s creative work, along with the attractive location that exists for film production."

Strategic Partners provides a venue for producers to find national and international partners for potential film and television projects through a series of panels, keynotes, speakers, broadcast sessions, networking events, screenings and one-on-one business meetings.

Inspired Series provides a venue for the review of scripts, documentary films and music through a series of panels, master classes, keynotes and training opportunities, geared toward emerging and established professionals in Atlantic Canada�s film, television, new media and music industries.

The 2008 Strategic Partners Co-production Market was the catalyst for potential film deals estimated at more than $200 million, a record amount for this event.

"We are incredibly proud of the fact that we have created such an effective international marketplace for the film and television sector here in Atlantic Canada," said Gregor Ash, executive director of the Atlantic Film Festival Association. "The significant contribution from the IBDA is a vital investment to Strategic Partners, ensuring it continues to facilitate millions of dollars in production activity throughout the region."

A total of $150,000 in financial assistance for the Atlantic Film Festival Association�s Strategic Partners Co-production Market and Inspired Series is provided through the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA). The IBDA is a federal/provincial agreement between the Government of Canada (ACOA, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and Industry Canada) and the four provincial governments in Atlantic　Canada, and is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses enter, explore and succeed in international markets. The IBDA is the leading component of a pan-Atlantic effort to foster business relations, to attract foreign investment and to nurture technological co-operation.

- 30 -

Media contacts: