Rotterdam 's CineMart looks set for a busy 26th edition with the festival reporting that close to 800 international film professionals confirming their presence.

Companies attending include: The Works Media Group; Bavaria Film International; Films Distribution; Fortissimo; Wild Bunch; The Match Factory; Celluloid Dreams; Visit Films; Trust Nordisk; Le Pacte; MK2; Kinowelt; Image Forum; Fine Cut Co.; Pathe Pictures International; and Protagonist Pictures among others.

CineMart has also announced the four projects travelling the Rotterdam-Berlinale Express, a co-operation between the CineMart Rotterdam and the Berlinale Co-Production Market allowing four projects to travel on to Berlin.

The selected projects are: Hunter by Bakur Bakuradze, Pioneer by Erik Skjoldbjaerg, On the Board (Sur La Planche) by Leika Kilani and Zephyr by Belma Bas.

In addition, it is confirmed that the Rotterdam Lab will run during CineMart for the 9th consecutive year.

50 international producers will participate in a five-day workshop offering a programme focusing on sales, distribution, international co-production and financing and networking opportunities.

A new element for 2009 will be DIY distribution and cross media platform story telling.

US- based Lance Weiler and Brian Chirls, experienced filmmakers focusing on innovative cross media film projects, will look at these techniques for independent filmmaking including distribution through internet and online social networks.

Rotterdam 's CineMart opens January 25 within the 36th International Film Festival Rotterdam.