Fourth TV France International Middle East showcase Dubai, February 14 - 15, Dusit Hotel

In the wake of two very promising showcase years in Beirut, French producers and distributors want to reinforce their contacts with channels operating in the Gulf, national broadcasters, satellite channels, and pan-regional channels for which Dubai is a regional platform.

To date, 80 television executives operating in the region (the heads of television stations, programs, acquisitions and distribution) from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, India, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar and Syria have already confirmed their attendance. Over half of the expected participants will be attending the TV France International regional showcase for the first time.

Rapid and continuos growth of regional Middle East television operators has significantly raised program needs. 19 French producers and distributors will be presenting a broad range of alternative, attractive, and innovative, quality programs. Moreover, viewer ratings for French programs are rising throughout the world for all genres: animated cartoons (especially those targeted for young audiences), family fiction, adventure documentaries, current affairs, the performing arts and games.

The strengthening of actions in the region over the last four years -additional support for the regional television office and the deployment of French regional television attachés- have given greater visibility to French programs among decision makers and viewers in the region. In 2004, sales of French television programs to the region increased by almost 10%. The rise was essentially generated by documentaries, fiction and animated cartoons, all of which continue to significantly contribute to sales for the region.

French cinema is also gaining in popularity in theaters and among filmgoers.

The following French companies will be represented in Dubai: 10 Francs - AB Distribution - Arte France - Artédis - Ampersand - CNDP/SCEREN - Dargaud Distribution - Doc en Stock - Europe Images International - France Télévisions Distribution - INA - Millimages - Productions Tony Comiti - RFO - Studio Canal - System TV - Upside TV - Zarafa - Zed.