Busan’s 6th Asian Film Market opened today (Oct 10) in its new venue at the Busan Exhibition Convention Center (BEXCO) with a 67% increase in sales booths and a 24% increase in participant registration year-on-year.

Nam Dong-Chul [pictured], Asian Film Market general manager said on the opening night: “It’s the first time we are using the BEXCO and so we weren’t sure what the response would be like. Some people still say they prefer the hotel room sales booths, but the general response to having the market all in one place seems to be positive and the first day seems to have been active.”

Market screenings have increased from 39 last year to 60 films this year. The number of screening sessions has also gone up from 47 to 64, and they are being held in six theaters instead of last year’s four. Films include 3D kung-fu animation Legend of the Rabbit, Oxide Pang’s Sleepwalker, and multi-national martial arts film The Kick.

Nam added, “We have more participants than expected especially considering the timing of Busan comes in the busy October calendar and although the city is famous for the festival, it’s not as easily accessible as some and we are a late comer as markets go. So in that sense, I think we seem to be finding our place.”

U.S. and Japanese sales companies have doubled in number this year and include Toei, Lakeshore, Voltage, Shochiku, Kadokawa Shoten and Gaga.

The market also has online screenings, available on Mac OS, iPhone and iPad. Registered badge holders can view 26 films from Asian Project Market (APM) directors’ filmography as well as Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and market titles.

BIFF and Asian Film Market this year started a partnership with the online screening websites Festival Scope (www.festivalscope.com) and Cinando (www.cinando.com) so members of those sites can also have access to selected titles.

Although the Asian Film Market will close on Oct 13, online screenings will be available until Oct 31.

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