The American Film Market® (AFM®) and the Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking Innovation Hub and AI-focused programming at AFM 2025. Inspired by the success of Cannes Next, this collaboration signals a new era for the film industry, integrating cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, and forward-thinking business tools into the creative and financial ecosystem of global filmmaking.
Now in its 46th year, the AFM returns to the iconic Fairmont Century Plaza from November 11–16, 2025, welcoming thousands of global attendees and more than 260 exhibitors from over 70 countries. Together, AFM and the Marché du Film aim to bridge the gap between technology innovators, media entrepreneurs, and entertainment professionals—creating a dynamic platform for discovery, collaboration, and transformation.
Spotlighting the Future of Film and AI
The new Innovation Hub will serve as both a showcase and an idea incubator for companies operating at the intersection of creativity and technology. Designed to foster global connections, the Hub will host presentations from some of the world’s most influential film and AI executives, spotlighting how artificial intelligence, virtual production, and digital tools are reshaping storytelling, financing, and distribution.
As part of this initiative, AFM’s 2025 lineup includes a powerful series of AI Sessions, uniting leaders from Adobe, Revelations Entertainment, Asteria/Moonvalley, and Fallbrook to explore how automation and innovation are redefining the entertainment landscape.
Key AI and Industry Sessions Include:
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Visualizing the Future of Commercial Content: What AI Means for the Industry
Thursday, Nov 13 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Featuring Darren Frankel (Adobe), Scott Martin (Aspen IP Consulting), and Lori McCreary (Revelations Entertainment) discussing how AI will transform commercial content creation and production pipelines. -
AI in Action: The Platforms Transforming Filmmaking – From Creation to Distribution
Friday, Nov 14 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Featuring Will French (Fallbrook), Scott Greenberg (Othelia Technologies), and Bryn Mooser (Asteria/Moonvalley) exploring how AI platforms are driving smarter, faster production-to-distribution workflows.
The AFM Sessions, presented by Wrapbook and IMDb Pro, will also host more than 100 thought leaders across 30+ panels, spanning topics like independent financing, the intersection of gaming and film, and the art of global dealmaking.
Program Highlights at AFM 2025 Include:
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Finance I – From Packaging to Payback: Investment, Incentives & International Markets
Featuring experts from Wrapbook, Pressman Film, and Waypoint Entertainment. -
Finance II – How They Did It: Strategies That Brought Projects to Life
Led by executives from Nickel City Pictures, Caviar, and Rebelle Media. -
Level Up: The Evolving Relationship Between Filmmaking and Gaming
With speakers from Blumhouse, Lyrical Games, and Striker Entertainment. -
Dealmakers’ View: Inside Independent Film Sales and Today’s Global Marketplace
Featuring Film Mode Entertainment, Screen Engine, and Protagonist Pictures. -
Fright Club: The Power Players Behind Modern Horror
Featuring UTA, Oddball Entertainment, and BoulderLight Pictures (Barbarian, Weapons). -
Latinos Navigating Hollywood: Challenges and Opportunities
Highlighting Latino filmmakers and executives from Cineverse, Mucho Mas Media, and G20 director Patricia Riggen.
The event concludes with The AFM Pitch Conference (Nov 15), offering emerging creators the chance to present their ideas to top industry mentors, including Cassian Elwes, Lee Jessup, and Loni Rodgers.
A Marketplace for Global Collaboration
With over 260 exhibitors and participation from 58 international territories, AFM remains the premier destination for independent film professionals to package projects, close deals, and expand global networks. Major exhibitors confirmed include A24, Lionsgate, NEON, Gaumont, STUDIOCANAL, Voltage Pictures, and XYZ Films, alongside dozens of international trade organizations and national pavilions.
This year’s edition cements AFM’s role as the heartbeat of the independent industry, while its partnership with the Marché du Film underscores a shared commitment to innovation and diversity in storytelling.
6 Key Takeaways:
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New AFM–Cannes partnership: AFM collaborates with Marché du Film to create a groundbreaking Innovation Hub inspired by Cannes Next.
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AI integration: Dedicated sessions explore how artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of the filmmaking pipeline.
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Global collaboration: Over 260 exhibitors and participants from more than 70 countries are confirmed for AFM 2025.
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Thought leadership: 30+ panels and workshops unite over 100 global industry voices.
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Emerging voices: The AFM Pitch Conference highlights next-generation creators.
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Industry evolution: AFM 2025 marks a new chapter where creativity meets technology and global collaboration drives the future of film.
For full programming details and registration, visit www.AmericanFilmMarket.com and www.marchedufilm.com.
Report By Lela Christine
