After a poorly received experiment in Las Vegas, the American Film Market is heading back to Los Angeles for its 2025 edition.
AFM 2025 will run November 11-16 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, just beside Beverly Hills.
“Our return to LA holds special significance in the aftermath of the recent devastating fires,” said Jean M. Prewitt and Clay Epstein, the CEO and Chairperson, respectively, of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, which organizes AFM. “It will be heartening to gather as colleagues here once again, where AFM started, and in doing so to take part in the rebuilding of the city that is a vital hub of our industry.”
The shift back towards Hollywood is likely to be cheered by global film buyers and sellers, many of whom complained about the 24-hour noise and somewhat surreal and off-putting atmosphere of last year’s market, which took place inside the Palms Casino off the Vegas strip, far away from the heart of the film business in LA.
“[Fairmont Century Plaza] is ideally situated just minutes from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Westwood and next door to the AMC Century City 15 for screenings,” the IFTA statement said. “Newly renovated, the Fairmont is a perfect blend of prestige, accessibility, amenities, and pricing consistent with recent years.”
The move is the third in as many years for AFM, which was forced to leave its longtime home in Santa Monica’s Loews hotel in 2023 for a less-than-ideal location up the hill at the Le Méridien Delfina. The Vegas sojourn followed.
“Your feedback has underscored the importance of AFM as a gathering space and of Los Angeles as the optimal location,” the IFTA added in its statement, referencing the industry outcry that followed last year’s Vegas experiment. “The Fairmont offers the location that best responds to your call for an elegant setting that maximizes convenience and encourages productivity.”
Details about AFM’s plans and agenda for 2025 are expected soon, the organization said.
