What is AFM?
The American Film Market is a premier global film industry marketplace, not a film festival. Its primary focus is on the buying, selling, financing, and distribution of films—the real business that powers the global cinematic economy. In 2025, the event will take place from November 11–16 at the new Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, a central hub for the film world. The market attracts more than 7,000 professionals from over 70 countries, including producers, directors, financiers, distributors, and agents. Attending AFM places a student directly in the center of where careers are forged and deals are made.
Why AFM?
The journey of a filmmaker demands more than just technical skill; it requires a deep understanding of the industry’s business and professional landscape. The filmmaking program at the Media Arts Center is built on this principle of practical, hands-on experience. To that end, every student enrolled in the August 12th filmmaking class will attend the American Film Market (AFM) in 2025 as an integrated part of their curriculum and professional development.
Value for filmmakers
The experience at AFM is structured around several key features, all designed to enhance a student’s understanding and readiness for the industry:
- The Marketplace and Networking: The core of AFM is its dynamic deal-making environment. Hundreds of new films and projects are launched here, and students will be in a position to observe these critical connections being made. This is an opportunity to see how the industry’s network operates firsthand.
- AFM Sessions: Over 100 sessions are hosted by prominent industry speakers. These expert-led panels cover essential topics across every facet of filmmaking, including financing, production, and distribution. The sessions provide critical insights into the ever-changing independent film ecosystem.
- The Pitch Conference: One of the most valuable learning experiences is the live pitching conference. Here, selected filmmakers present their projects to a panel of seasoned executives and producers. Students will observe how projects are pitched and receive candid feedback from industry leaders.
- Screenings: The market utilizes multiple theater screens to host hundreds of screenings. The films shown are seeking international and domestic theatrical or streaming distribution, giving students a chance to see projects at a critical stage of their commercial life cycle.
This experience is designed to provide significant business opportunities, educational value from industry leaders, and career-changing connections. Approximately 90% of global films find their financing, representation, or distribution through business initiated at AFM. Attendance at this event is a direct and hands-on opportunity to go beyond theory and into the heart of the film business. Students are expected to approach this event with the same initiative and professionalism expected in the program, prepared to learn, network, and take full advantage of this unique opportunity.
