Strategic Partners, a production of the Atlantic Film Festival, is thrilled to announce the addition of a third Spotlight country to its roster, with Australia set to share the stage at this dynamic international film and television co-production market event.

State agencies Film Victoria, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, ScreenWest and South Australia Film are all on board to support selected producers to attend Strategic Partners 2011, set for Sept. 15-18 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

"It's terrific that we are able to add Australia to our Spotlight this year. With so many strong Aussie producers interested in co-production with Canada and the rest of the world, it is bound to be fruitful on many levels," said Jan Miller, Director of Strategic Partners.

The Strategic Partners' call for producer applications and industry registrations is now open. Deadline is July 11. Apply online at www.atlanticfilm.com/sp

SP is one of the world's pre-eminent co-production markets focusing on feature film, television fiction, long-form documentaries and multi-platform projects. Producers have unparalleled access to international co-production opportunities with industry leaders and financiers via SP's popular 1-2-1 meetings. Nearly 1,000 pre-arranged business meetings take place during the three-day event.

Organizers are also pleased to announce their renewed partnership with the Melbourne International Film Festival's (MIFF) 37°South Market. Australia's only film-financing market at a film festival, 37°South brings together more than 70 producers and 30 financiers for four days of diarized meetings, market screenings, roundtables, seminars and networking events during the opening weekend of MIFF, the Southern Hemisphere's oldest and largest film festival, which turns 60 this year.

As part of the SP-37°South Alliance, the first of two Canadian delegates from Strategic Partners 2010 has been selected and invited to attend 37°South from July 21-24. The producer is Phyllis Laing of Manitoba's Buffalo Gal Films, with the announcement of a second selected producer to follow.

"This will give them remarkable access to international sales agents, financiers, publishers and potential co-producers from Australia and New Zealand," said MIFF Industry Programs Director Mark Woods. "MIFF 37ºSouth Market is thrilled to continue to work with SP as part of our network of film-financing events spanning North America, the Middle East and Europe, including London's Production Finance Market."

"I'm delighted to be among the first-ever Canadian producers to be attending the (MIFF) 37°South Market," said Laing. "I look forward to finding wonderful ways to do business with our friends Down Under."

Strategic Partners is the place to co-produce/co-venture with Canadians. Held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, it is the one-stop shop for traditional and multi-platform producers, broadcasters, sales agents, financiers, distributors, and film agencies from across Canada and around the world. The three-day event includes pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings; international broadcaster, provincial, state and country sessions; relevant and practical panels; and visionary keynote speakers. Delegates also enjoy access to the screenings and galas at the Atlantic Film Festival and the popular Film Nova Scotia Lobster Dinner by the sea.

SP completed film projects include Norteado, Counter Swirl, The Games Maker, Gugu and Andile, Shades of Violence, and TV projects The Passionate Apprentice, Burn-Up and Diamonds.

Strategic Partners is a production of the Atlantic Film Festival.

A top Canadian festival, the Atlantic Film Festival is held each September in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Strong East Coast roots support a unique format for the festival, with its distinctive focus on film and music. It is large enough to attract the world's most notable actors, directors and producers, but intimate enough to be innovative and flexible in its approach to the changing needs of our audiences and the industry. The AFF provides an unpretentious atmosphere to experience the best Atlantic, Canadian and international films, while showcasing some of the best musical talent from around Atlantic Canada. The Atlantic Film Festival produces: Strategic Partners, ViewFinders: International Film Festival for Youth, alFresco filmFesto, and Music & Image.

Organizers acknowledge the ongoing support provided for Strategic Partners by Telefilm Canada, Shaw Media, and Film Nova Scotia