Led by Mrs. Anjuli Duggal, joint secretary of India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, a 25-strong delegation of Indian film directors, producers and financiers is heading for the AFM.

The delegation, the first ever to visit the AFM, plans to promote the Indian film industry in an international context amongst producers, distributors and exhibitors of films both in Hollywood and other parts of the world.

Biren Ghose, COO, United TV and a member of the AFM-bound party told Screendaily.com, "This film industry delegation will not only be able to network during the visit, but also be able to generate business for itself. The delegation aims to increase international visibility for the Indian film industry, and to create significant business opportunities and give momentum to this initiative around the world,"

The team plans to establish a formal link with the American Film Marketing Association - host of the AFM - and the Indian film industry, in order to boost its profile and expand its business possibilities.

The 25-member delegation will also focus on acquiring expertise from the international industry, with special attention given to co-production processes, corporate procedures and legal policies.

The first ever official delegation to AFM comprises producers, directors and other film industry personalities including Deepanker Mukhopadya, P. Parmeshwaran, Ken Naz, Rajat Barjatya, Meghna Ghai, Deepak Tijori, Munnish Puri, Nirja Shah, Rahul Puri, Rajesh Jog, Zarmineh Rab, Rupali Mehta and Mihir Parikh.

In addition, three Indian companies: Eros Entertainment, NFDC and Ramoji Film City have taken offices at the AFM.