A superlative AFM, marked by doubts.

Yes, it was hailed by organizers as the "best AFM in history, but, in the Jew of one participating distributor, "it is still a market in transition." According to some European film companies attending the AFM, the market's autumn date, the elimination of MIFED, the proximity of MIPCOM and the growing importance of Berlin, have broken a traditional market pattern with a new one yet to appear.

"I'm now reviewing the whole market picture and will, then, make a decision," commented a European distributor, admitting, however, that the AFM is still effective for South Korea and especially for South America, considering that "buyers from that territory didn't go to the Cannes Film Market."

During a press conference, AFM officials stressed that the film business is coming back: "It's a much healthier industry for the independents," said Michael Ryan, chairman of IFTA, the association that organizes the AFM.

Jean Prewitt, IFTA's CEO, reported that, among the guidelines developed for new rights, Internet downloads are now stand-alone rights. However, the association has not yet tackled mobile technology rights. "We'll do it next time," commented Prewitt.

According to AFM's managing director, Jonathan Wolf, many records were broken at this year's market: number of films screened, number of market premieres and number of attendees.