International film producers body FIAPF is set to revamp its film festival regulations and accreditation system following a meeting in Berlin with the directors of the world's leading international film festivals yesterday.

At a meeting hosted by Berlinale director Dieter Kosslick, FIAPF's president, producer Andres Vicente Gomez, outlined FIAPF's plan to launch of a broad-based consultation over the next three months, involving both the festivals and FIAPF members, to review every element of the rules.

FIAPF director general Bertrand Moullier hopes to have the new system approved by FIAPF's AGM at Cannes in time to implement the new regulations in 2005.

"The system is over thirty years old," said Gomez. "The industry has changed and its relationship with festivals has changed significantly during this time. FIAPF's ambition is to rejuvenate the system of festivals accreditation and increase the benefits of it for the producers we represent, and for the festivals themselves."

Kosslick added: "The Berlinale was very pleased to help FIAPF organise this encounter. It is the first time we've all been together in the same room and I think it is a welcome sign that FIAPF is trusted by both industry and festivals. It is a good idea to make changes to an accreditation system we all need and want in order to maintain good standards for international festivals."