The information below is for AFM 2021 and beyond.

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 catalogue 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 — Offer attendees knowledge, insight and a rare opportunity to hear from the industry’s global thought leaders, decision makers and experts.

Panels — Open-ended discussions that explore specialized topics and timely issues.

Workshops — Taught by industry experts and college professors. Topics range from writing to budgeting to production incentives.

Conversations — Intimate one-on-one discussions with industry trendsetters.

Presentations — Hosted and programmed by participating companies and organizations.

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 2019 Show Directory

AFM 2019 Screenings Guide

When

November 2 – November 7, 2021

November 1 – November 6, 2022

October 31 – November 5, 2023

November 5 – November 10, 2024

The American Film Market is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance, www.ifta-online.org.