What’s happening at the American Film Market

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

The American Film Market is the most efficient film acquisition, development, and networking event in the world. Unlike a festival, AFM is a marketplace where production and distribution deals are closed. More than US$1 billion in deals are sealed every year — on both completed films and those in every stage of development and production.

Over 7,000 industry professionals from more than 70 countries converge in Santa Monica every November. They include acquisition and development executives, agents, attorneys, directors, distributors, festival directors, financiers, film commissioners, producers, writers, the world’s press and all those who provide services to the motion picture industry.

At AFM, participants can discover the entire global catalog of available films and projects, attend 50+ world-class conferences, roundtables and presentations, and connect with the independent film community’s decision-makers, all in one convenient location without the distraction of a film festival.

The American Film Market is comprised of:

The Market — The core of the AFM is the market. Over 400 production/distribution/sales companies have offices at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel where they meet with territorial (national) buyers from 70+ countries to acquire films, both completed and those in every stage of development and production. Many companies are also there to meet with producers who are seeking representation or production partners.

Screenings — AFM screens more than 300 feature films — the majority world or U.S. premieres. Screenings run simultaneously in 29 theatres over the first five or six days.

LocationEXPO — Film Commissions, facilities and government agencies from around the world participate at LocationEXPO, a four-day event held inside the AFM.

Conferences — Six, half-day Conferences give attendees knowledge and insight, and an opportunity to hear from industry thought leaders, decision-makers and experts.

Immersive Summit — A collaborative and educational event for Extended Reality (XR), the Immersive Summit addresses all stages of bringing XR content to market.

Roundtables — AFM Roundtables are open-ended discussions that explore specialized topics and timely issues in an intimate setting.

Writers Workshop — During the Writers Workshop, participants learn how to shape their screenplay into a compelling narrative that will resonate with studios, investors and a global audience.

Spotlight Events — Organization and companies from around the world create unique opportunities to connect and learn as part of AFM’s Spotlight Events.

Networking Receptions — For those involved in production and services, AFM hosts four evening Carrousel Cocktails at the historic Merry-Go-Round on the Santa Monica Pier.

The Film Catalogue — TheFilmCatalogue.com contains over 10,000 films and projects that are available from AFM sales companies.

Buyers Lounge — Located on the 5th Floor of the Loews Hotel, the Buyers Lounge is exclusively for Buyers and IFTA Members. The Lounge offers morning coffee & tea, evening refreshments, and workstations.

Filmmakers Lounge — Located on the lobby level of Loews Hotel, the Filmmakers Lounge provides a convenient meeting location for all participants.

MyAFM — With AFM’s online community, MyAFM.org, participants can search the AFM attendee directory, set up meetings and share their profile with other attendees.

AFM Screenings On Demand — All participants can screen their films privately before, during and after the market with AFM Screenings On Demand. It is used by sales companies to reach territorial buyers, and by producers who are seeking worldwide sales representation.
AFM 2018 Show Directory

When

November 6 – November 13, 2019
November 4 – November 11, 2020
November 3 – November 10, 2021
November 2 – November 9, 2022
November 1 – November 8, 2023
November 6 – November 13, 2024
November 5 – November 12, 2025
November 4 – November 11, 2026
Where

Santa Monica, California