Inside AFM: What Delegates Should Know

By Pickle November 8, 2026

AFM 2026: By the Numbers

85+ Countries

215+ Exhibitors

45+ Sessions

Screen Economy

“Our business is at an inflection point, and we can’t move forward by looking backward,” says Jackie Brenneman, President and CEO of IFTA, which produces AFM. Her message frames AFM’s first unifying theme, The New Global Screen Economy, connecting discussions on finance, production, distribution, technology and audience behaviour while urging independent companies to help define the industry’s next chapter together.

Opening Summit

AFM’s inaugural New Global Screen Economy Summit opens November 10, with keynotes from IFTA President and CEO Jackie Brenneman and media analyst Evan Shapiro, alongside discussions on production incentives, intellectual property, studios and audience discovery. Delegates should note that the summit requires a separate ticket, with limited capacity, rather than assuming their regular market badge automatically includes admission to proceedings.

Location Advantage

LocationEXPO connects AFM delegates with film commissions, production facilities and service companies offering guidance on locations, incentives, crews, permitting, scouting and casting for upcoming projects. The 2026 participant list includes Ramoji Studio, Japan Film Commission, Thailand Film Office, Czech Film Commission and Egypt Film Commission, giving producers a practical starting point for comparing destinations and identifying potential international production partners.

Audience Access

AFM’s collaboration with AMC A-List and B-List Movie Club gives selected films access to frequent moviegoers alongside industry buyers, creating opportunities for audience feedback as projects enter the marketplace. Screenings run November 10–13 at AMC Century City 15, with expanded options including world and market premieres, slate showcases, hospitality enhancements and red-carpet moments for participating sales companies, producers and filmmakers.

Innovation Base

The new AFM House adds 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space at The Pavilion at Century Park, across from the Fairmont Century Plaza, with access for all registered badge holders. Open November 11–14, it houses the expanded Innovation Hub with Cannes Next, offering delegates technology demonstrations, presentations and networking around emerging tools and business models for filmed entertainment.

Cinema Futures

The Cinemas Club makes its North American debut at AFM House, bringing theatrical exhibition and moviegoing into focus through programming open to all AFM badge holders across four days, November 11–14. Delegates can explore box office and release windows on November 11, followed by anime, concerts, faith content and alternative programming on November 12, connecting distribution decisions with evolving audiences.

Finance Focus

AFM’s November 11 finance sessions examine where capital is flowing and the changing economics of independent film, with announced speakers including Adrian Ward, Miguel Palos Jr., Miranda Bailey and Juliana Lubin. Main Stage access requires a Platinum or +Sessions Badge, making badge selection important for delegates seeking these discussions before assessing financing structures, production incentives and potential partners for projects.

Data Advantage

IFTA has named The Numbers its official data partner, with planned initiatives including comparable-film analysis, research, educational webinars and data support for AFM programming to strengthen decision-making across the independent sector. Preferred access to custom Comp Analysis Reports and research services is earmarked for IFTA members, a distinction delegates should note when exploring resources for financing, positioning, sales and distribution.

INDIAN COMPANIES TO MEET AT AFM