Several established sales agents have confirmed their participation in the European Film Market (EFM) - to take place during the Berlin Film Festival (Feb 9-20) - for the first time this year.

Among companies setting out stalls for the first time at Berlin are the UK's IAC Films and Television, Iran's Farabi Film Foundation, Japan's Asmik Ace and Kadokawa and Germany's Kinowelt International.

The rapidly expanding market is set to screen more than 300 films at the CinemaxX and CineStar cinema complexes at Potsdamer Platz. Films from France, Scandinavia, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Spain and the US dominate the programme.

According to EFM director Beki Probst about 2,500 professionals have registered for market badges. The classic divisions of the US majors will be strongly represented and large contingents from Japan, Korea and Taiwan, will join the traditionally strong European buying presence.