Will Las Vegas make or break the American Film Market?

Saturday, November 9, 2024 11:01 AM
Photo:  American Film Market (courtesy)
  • Elsa Keslassy and Alex Ritman, Variety

The presidential election isn’t the only decisive moment playing out… Over in Las Vegas, industry players are also throwing bets on the fate of a institution far more cherished than the U.S. government: the American Film Market.

A once-bustling film fair bulging with B-movie energy, the AFM has had a bumpy ride over the last few years, weakened by the pandemic, double Hollywood strikes, hospitality issues and prohibitive participation costs. But it has now relocated to Vegas, taking place amid slot machines and roulette tables, and is hoping to justify its importance for the film business — and, for many international guests, justify a connecting flight.