12 Pix world preeming at Film Focus Market

Stephen Frears' London-set period drama "Mrs. Henderson Presents" is among 12 pics world preeming in the publicly funded London U.K. Film Focus market.

In all, 43 British films will be screened in the June 27-30 showcase launched last year by Film London to help British sales companies market their movies to foreign buyers.

Other pics premiering include Nick Love's Spanish-set crime actioner "The Business" and John Henderson's "Mee-Shee: The Water Giant," both from ContentFilm; Paul Tickell's thriller "Tempesta," from Beyond Films; Mark Murphy's period drama "Casanova's Love Letters," from Centre Films; Hadi Hajaig's drama "Puritan"; and Julian Gilbey's urban gangster pic "Rollin' With the Nines," from Vine Intl. Pictures.

"Nines" is building buzz as it marks the acting debuts of a host of U.K. rappers including Dizzee Rascal and Kano alongside emerging star Ashley Walters ("Bullet Boy").

As reported, Pathe will unveil Neil Jordan's "Breakfast on Pluto" and Neil Marshall's horror pic "The Descent" at the Focus. Both were held back from a Cannes market screening for a more intimate Focus showcase.

Fest programmers and distribs are among the 190 delegates -- up from last year's 168 -- attending the soph edition.

Delegates will be put up at the Waldorf Hilton, where Film London will host a swanky bash June 29 to promote Brit talent. Screenings will take place at the British Film Institute and at One Aldwych.