The American Film Market (AFM) will return to Los Angeles this November, bouncing back from a poorly received Las Vegas event and symbolizing the city’s ongoing recovery from recent wildfires.
The prestigious film and television marketplace will run from November 11-16, 2025, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City. This marks a significant homecoming for an event that has been a cornerstone of the independent film industry since 1981.
“Our return to LA holds special significance,” said Jean M. Prewitt and Clay Epstein, leaders of the Independent Film and Television Alliance. “We’re gathering where AFM started and taking part in the city’s rebuilding.”
The move comes after the 2024 Las Vegas experiment at the Palms Casino Resort failed to meet industry expectations. Film professionals criticized the Nevada location for forcing unnecessary travel and creating high costs during a slow market.
Responding to participant feedback, event organizers emphasized the importance of Los Angeles as the optimal setting. “The Fairmont offers an elegant location that maximizes convenience and encourages productivity,” Prewitt and Epstein explained.
AFM has a long history of venue changes. From 1991 to 2023, the market was a fixture at the Loews Hotel in Santa Monica. A brief move to Le Meridian Delfina preceded the unsuccessful Las Vegas experiment.
More than just a marketplace, AFM has evolved into a crucial networking event for the film and television industry. It remains one of the largest U.S. platforms for production, acquisition, financing, distribution, and sales.
Additional event details, including registration and exhibition opportunities, will be announced in the coming weeks.