Film Markets
Film markets are the business side of the film industry. They are where filmmakers, producers, sales agents, distributors, financiers, and buyers meet to buy, sell, finance, and package films.
A film market is different from a film festival. A festival is usually focused on selection, screenings, awards, and audience attention. A film market is focused on meetings, sales, distribution, financing, and industry deals.
Major Film Markets Around the World
There are several important film markets around the world. The right one depends on your film, your stage of production, your genre, your audience, and your distribution goals.
Cannes Marché du Film
The Marché du Film takes place during the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. It is one of the largest and most important film markets in the world.
It brings together producers, distributors, sales agents, financiers, streamers, and industry professionals from across the international film business.
American Film Market
The American Film Market, known as AFM, is one of the most important markets for independent film production, sales, and distribution.
Unlike a festival, AFM is a marketplace where production and distribution deals are discussed and closed.
European Film Market
The European Film Market, known as EFM, takes place alongside the Berlin International Film Festival.
It is one of the leading meeting places for the international film and media industries, with a strong focus on sales, distribution, financing, and innovation.
Film London Production Finance Market
The Production Finance Market, known as PFM, is a film financing event held in association with the BFI London Film Festival.
It helps producers connect with financiers and build new financing relationships for feature film projects.
Visit Film London Production Finance Market
MIPCOM Cannes
MIPCOM is one of the world’s major entertainment content markets. It focuses on television, streaming, media, and entertainment partnerships.
The event brings together buyers, producers, distributors, platforms, and media companies for meetings, screenings, conferences, and business development.
Asia TV Forum and Market
Asia TV Forum and Market, known as ATF, is a major entertainment content market in Asia.
It connects producers, buyers, distributors, and platforms working across television, film, streaming, and entertainment content.
Visit Asia TV Forum and Market
BANFF Media Festival
BANFF Media Festival is an international conference and marketplace for television, film, digital media, and entertainment projects.
It attracts creators, producers, showrunners, talent, networks, studios, streamers, press, and media companies from around the world.
Toronto International Film Festival
The Toronto International Film Festival, known as TIFF, is one of the most important festivals and industry platforms in North America.
TIFF attracts filmmakers, buyers, distributors, financiers, sales agents, and industry professionals looking for new films and new opportunities.
Visit Toronto International Film Festival
Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is one of the leading festivals for independent film, documentary, short films, series, episodic content, and emerging media.
It is an important platform for discovering new voices and connecting independent filmmakers with industry professionals.
Hot Docs
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival is one of the largest documentary festivals, conferences, and markets in North America.
It presents documentary films from Canada and around the world and offers industry opportunities for documentary filmmakers.
Choosing the Right Film Market
Not every film market is right for every project. Some are better for completed films. Others are better for projects still looking for finance, co-production partners, broadcasters, or sales representation.
Before choosing a market, consider your film’s genre, budget level, stage of production, target audience, and distribution goals.
The best film market is the one where your project has a realistic chance of meeting the right buyers, partners, financiers, or distributors.