Archive · 13 Nov 2025
AFM Returns to LA, Enthusiasm High for New Venue Amidst Market Concerns
The American Film Market, a big meeting for people who make and sell independent movies, has moved back to Los Angeles this year.
People really like the new place because it's fancy and closer to where the big movie studios are.
They also like meeting face-to-face again.
However, there are fewer companies showing their movies than before the pandemic.
Buyers are worried because it's hard to find good movies that people will actually go see in theaters right now, and the movie studios aren't buying as many independent films as they used to.
Some people are happy with the new venue, but others find it expensive and still have to travel a lot to meet everyone.
It's like they're trying to find a very specific, hard-to-find thing.
The American Film Market (AFM) has returned to Los Angeles, headquartered at the Fairmont Century Plaza.
Many attendees are pleased with the new venue, citing its proximity to agencies and an upscale business environment.
Exhibitor numbers are down compared to pre-pandemic levels, though consistent with the previous year in Las Vegas.
Despite concerns, the overall sentiment favors in-person meetings, with contracts for the venue expected to extend.
Industry professionals express concern over the challenging domestic theatrical market and the scarcity of significant independent film propositions.
- Who
- Independent film distributors, buyers, and sellers
- What
- The American Film Market's return to Los Angeles with a new venue, amidst concerns over the domestic theatrical business and the availability of independent film propositions.
- When
- Began on Monday (specific date not mentioned, but implies current)
- Where
- Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles
- Why
- To facilitate the buying and selling of independent films, with a focus on in-person meetings.
- Event
- American Film Market (AFM)
- Location
- Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles
- Duration
- Six-day event
- New Venue Advantages
- Proximity to agencies, upscale business environment, better for off-site meetings
- Exhibitor Numbers
- 285 (compared to 375-450 pre-pandemic)
- Notable Projects
- Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of Christ' (est. $200M budget), 'Reenactment', 'Bad Bridgets', 'My Darling California', 'Empire City', 'Kockroach'