Hollywood’s Premier Sales Market Reclaims Spotlight
With its return to Los Angeles this November, the American Film Market 2025 is surging ahead of schedule—reaffirming its reputation as the most deal-driven marketplace in the world of independent film.
As major players from over 60 countries claim their space at AFM, this year’s edition is already outpacing expectations, suggesting a resurgent energy not seen since before the pandemic.
Against the backdrops of Cannes Marché du Film, Berlinale’s European Film Market (EFM), and Toronto’s TIFF Industry Conference, AFM is shaping up to be the unmissable event for global content buyers, producers, and financiers.
The Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City—just steps from AMC Century City 15—will serve once again as the international crossroads where the business of film meets the pulse of Hollywood.
AFM 2025 Is Selling —and That’s a Statement
Exhibition space is selling rapidly, and for good reason. The industry is hungry—not just for content, but for serious business.
AFM 2025 Exhibitors include a who’s who of international players such as Lionsgate, NEON, STUDIOCANAL, Beta Cinema, The Match Factory, Pathé Films, and XYZ Films. This year also welcomes national umbrella stands representing powerhouses like Unifrance (France), German Films, and Thailand’s DITP.
With this kind of roster—and more than three months to go—the message is loud and clear: AFM is back, global, and serious.
“This early momentum signals a renewed sense of optimism and engagement
across the independent film and television industry,
as well as highlights AFM’s enduring position for global players to gather to do business…”
It’s not just about volume. It’s about quality.
What Sets AFM Apart from Cannes and Sundance?
Where Cannes Marché du Film dazzles with Riviera glamour and Sundance offers discovery in the snow-capped indie frontier, AFM has always positioned itself as the industry’s workhorse. It’s the place where films are financed, rights are sold, and contracts are signed—on the spot.
There’s a reason Venice, Toronto, London, and even Telluride drive the fall festival conversation, but AFM turns conversations into deals. It’s why heavyweights like WME Independent, Voltage Pictures, and The Veterans make it a priority.
The proximity to Hollywood decision-makers, premium screenings at AMC Century City, and the convenience of doing business under one luxury roof make it an unmatched environment.
Inside the 2025 Program: From Screenings to Strategy
The AFM Screenings at AMC Century City 15 will once again offer top-tier theatrical experiences—a significant competitive edge over festivals that rely on makeshift screening rooms or decentralized venues.
Beyond the deals, The AFM Sessions return for four full days of deep-dive panels and discussions. As the industry evolves, topics like AI in storytelling, streaming revenue models, and international co-productions will be front and center.
This year also marks an expanded LocationEXPO®, drawing more regional commissions and production services into the spotlight. Countries are not just selling films—they’re selling incentives, locations, and infrastructure.
“AFM’s LocationEXPO® is expanding this year,
reflecting increased demand from national and regional film commissions,
production service companies, and attendees seeking global production support,
shooting locations, and incentives.”
Global Momentum with a Hollywood Pulse
AFM’s 2025 surge is not happening in a vacuum. It’s part of a broader comeback for the independent sector, fueled by changing distribution channels, lower production thresholds, and insatiable international demand.
While EFM in Berlin and TIFF‘s industry arm have long played to European buyers, AFM’s West Coast timing and access remain irreplaceable. And with Asia once again ramping up post-COVID, the presence of umbrella stands from China, Thailand, and Hong Kong brings much-needed east-west synergy.
The big takeaway? AFM isn’t just regaining its foothold—it’s redefining relevance.
Why AFM 2025 Might Be the Most Important Market of the Decade
In a fragmented landscape where streaming platforms, regional players, and IP-chasing dominate headlines, AFM 2025 offers what others can’t: a live, concentrated, deal-making ecosystem with global reach and Hollywood proximity.
For anyone in the business of content—whether it’s financing, acquisition, sales, or development—this is not just a market. It’s a must.
So whether you’re closing your next slate or scouting your next star project, November 11–16 in Los Angeles isn’t just on your calendar. It’s your runway.
