The American Film Market (AFM) opened its 46th edition on November 11, 2025, in Los Angeles at the Fairmont Century Plaza, marking a key event in the global entertainment calendar. This prestigious marketplace, which brings together hundreds of production, sales, distribution, and financing companies from more than 60 countries, is a major hub for deal-making in the film and television industry.
Unlike traditional film festivals that focus on showcasing finished films, the AFM operates as a marketplace where content at every stage of development can be pitched, networked, and acquired. It serves as a vital space for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and financiers to discuss upcoming projects, secure deals, and form partnerships. Whether the content is still in the concept stage or ready for release, the AFM facilitates the connections needed to move projects forward and bring them to a global audience. For many companies, the AFM offers a crucial opportunity to find international partners, secure funding, and arrange distribution for films and TV shows that might otherwise struggle to break into global markets.
Leading up to the event, organizers have reported a strong uptake in exhibitor participation, signaling that there is a healthy demand for content and a vibrant marketplace in place for this year’s edition. The increased participation from exhibitors reflects the growing importance of the AFM, which has long been considered an essential barometer of the global film industry’s health. The AFM provides industry professionals with insight into which types of content are gaining traction and where the money is flowing, allowing them to gauge emerging trends and shifts in the market. The event also serves as a valuable indicator of where the film industry is headed, offering a glimpse of the content that could dominate the entertainment landscape in the coming months and years.
For filmmakers, producers, and distributors, the AFM is an opportunity to showcase new and existing projects to a global audience of potential buyers, partners, and collaborators. From cutting-edge indie films to major studio productions, the marketplace is a dynamic environment where different sectors of the film industry converge. The AFM also emphasizes the increasing importance of international distribution, as companies seek to expand their reach beyond local markets and tap into the growing demand for content worldwide. The global nature of the event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the film and television industries, where success often hinges on finding international audiences and distribution partners.
The timing of the AFM, which takes place in early November, is strategic for the industry. With the year drawing to a close, the event provides filmmakers and studios with an opportunity to finalize deals and set production timelines for the upcoming year. This gives companies a window to turn potential agreements made at the marketplace into tangible production and release schedules. For those in the business of film and television, the AFM is not just about making deals—it’s also about setting the stage for the next big projects and ensuring that content has a clear path to market.
As always, the AFM also serves as a platform for discussing and exploring new trends and developments within the industry. In recent years, the rise of streaming platforms, new distribution channels, and changes in audience viewing habits have reshaped the landscape. The marketplace is a place where traditional distribution models intersect with the rapidly growing digital space, and where emerging filmmakers can present their work alongside more established players. With the rise of digital media and the increasing dominance of streaming services, the AFM is evolving to reflect these changes. New distribution strategies, such as hybrid release models that combine theatrical and digital premieres, are expected to feature prominently at the event.
Beyond business deals and networking opportunities, the AFM is also a moment to celebrate the diversity and creativity of the global film industry. The wide range of content presented—from indie films with niche appeal to major studio productions vying for worldwide distribution—reflects the dynamic nature of the entertainment sector. The AFM also provides a glimpse of what audiences can expect in the future, as filmmakers continue to push boundaries with new storytelling techniques and innovative formats.
For media professionals and industry watchers, the opening of the AFM is a key moment to assess the state of global film commerce and identify which trends are gaining momentum. It’s a time when the future of the industry can be predicted based on the deals being made and the content that is being acquired. As companies look ahead to the coming year, the AFM offers a valuable opportunity to secure deals, discover new projects, and forge the partnerships that will shape the entertainment landscape in the months to come.
With the AFM now in full swing, all eyes will be on the deals being made, the content being presented, and the trends that emerge over the course of the event. As always, the marketplace will play a crucial role in determining the next wave of films and television shows that will dominate the global entertainment scene, making this year’s edition particularly significant for both established industry players and emerging talent. As the industry continues to evolve, the AFM remains an essential event for anyone with a stake in the future of global film and television.
