Strategic Partners, Canada's co-production market and part of the 29th Atlantic Film Festival, will highlight the Irish and German film markets at the 2009 Strategic Partners event.

Jan Miller, director of Strategic Partners explained the choice: 'Germany and Ireland were natural choices to spotlight for 2009. They are two markets that are continually investing in their own film industries and cultivating co-production on the world stage.

'In 2008, producers attending SP reported 66 film and television projects benefited significantly from attending Strategic Partners. We can't wait to see the results from this year's event with our spotlight delegations drawing delegates from around the world to do co-production business.' Miller added.

Delegates at the 2009 SP event are expected to participate in close to 1000 business meetings with other film and television producers and financers, with a focus on forging potential international co-production deals.

Strategic Partners will take place in Halifax, Canada, September 18 - 20.