by Eric Beteille
AFI FEST Daily News

Musician Serj Tankian from System of a Down and director Carla Garapedian at AFM. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images)

Since the formation of the strategic partnership in 2004, the American Film Market (AFM) and AFI FEST presented by Audi have grown to become the largest gathering of film professionals - and the only concurrent festival/market - in North America.

AFM is November 1-8, 2006, in Santa Monica. Here are scenes from the first four days.

Take One: Musician Serj Tankian from System of a Down and SCREAMERS director Carla Garapedian speak during their AFM press conference November 2. Garapedian's documentary, following the Armenian-American band on tour as they strive to recognize the Armenian genocide, made its world premiere November 2 at AFI FEST 2006.

Actor Beau Bridges arrives at AFM. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images)

Take Two: Actor Beau Bridges arrives at AFM on November 3 to promote his film, I-SEE-YOU.COM.

Take Three: Filmmaker William Friedkin speaks during the AFI FEST Filmmakers Brunch hosted by AFM , November 4. Friedkin is the director of THE EXORCIST, THE FRENCH CONNECTION and TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA. He is expected to appear at AFI FEST 2006 to screen his latest film, BUG, starring Ashley Judd and Michael Shannon. BUG screens at ArcLight Hollywood November 11, 10:00 PM, and November 12, 4:00 PM.

Filmmaker William Friedkin speaks at the AFI FEST Filmmakers Brunch at AFM. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images)

Take Four: AFM hosts the African Voices Panel, discussing the inaugural African Voices series at AFI FEST 2006. The panel moderator is Professor Jude G. Akudinobi, University of California, Santa Barbara. Special guest is the Honorable Minister Frank Nweke Jr., Federal Minister of Information & National Orientation for the Republic of Nigeria. Participating filmmakers are John Barker (BUNNY CHOW: KNOW THYSELF), Norman Maake (HOMECOMING) and Ngozi Onwurah (SHOOT THE MESSENGER).

Complimentary shuttles take AFM and AFI FEST passholders to and from AFM headquarters at the Loews Santa Monica Hotel and AFI FEST headquarters at ArcLight Hollywood.

Minister Frank Nweke Jr. and filmmaker Ngozi Onwurah at AFM's African Voices panel. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images)

Jonathan Wolf, AFM managing director, and filmmaker William Friedkin at AFM. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images.)