Distributors from across Europe are to meet at August's EdinburghInternational Film Festival in an event held by the Scottish festival anddistributors federation FIAD.

The gathering is billed as an opportunity to network in a less pressuredenvironment, rather than a formal conference.

"We hope many distributorswill seize this opportunity to come and take part in a fascinating festival,"said Antoine Virenque of FIAD.

The main session will be held on Monday August 22, although distributorswill be able to spend at least three days at the festival. 75% of Edinburgh'sprogramme is traditionally without distribution.

Ginnie Atkinson, managing director of the festival, said: "As part ofthe service we're offering a bespoke package to the FIAD delegates in terms ofassisting networking, viewing films and getting together for their mainsession."

The event director is Mary Davies, who is the festival's industryconsultant.