The American Film Market (AFM) 2026 will take place in Los Angeles, United States, from November 10 to 15, 2026. Registration for buyers and attendees opens on June 23, 2026; a general registration closing date for 2026 is not specified.
AFM is an international film industry market that brings together professionals from more than 80 countries and focuses on the development, financing, exhibition, acquisition, distribution, and licensing of films and projects. It accepts national and international participation. Its screenings accept films in all languages, including fiction and documentary, both completed and Work in Progress. The market includes films and projects at different stages of development, as well as presentations and promotional materials. It also includes professional activities related to networking, production, distribution, financing, and pitching.
Review official rules.
American Film Market
VdR–Pitching is an international platform within the Visions du Réel festival that supports feature-length documentary projects in advanced development. Its aim is to connect filmmakers with industry professionals to facilitate funding, co-production, and distribution. The call is open to projects over 60 minutes, with a creative approach and international potential. Both debut and experienced filmmakers can participate, provided the projects are original and not yet in production.
Selected projects participate in pitch sessions in front of experts and receive mandatory pitch training. Documentation is required in English, including synopsis, treatment, visual references, preliminary budget, and team CVs. Narrative innovation and the potential for international reach are highly valued.
Projects may also be eligible for development awards, including the Eurimages Co‑Production Development Award, which encourages international co-productions. The call includes submission deadlines and presentation sessions, with travel and accommodation costs covered by participants, although partial support may be available. VdR–Pitching offers a unique opportunity to gain professional visibility and support for creative documentaries in development.
Review official bases.
VdR–Pitching
The VdR–Work in Progress call from the Visions du Réel festival targets feature-length documentaries in the advanced stages of post-production. Projects must have at least 10 minutes of edited material and will have the chance to be presented to industry professionals such as distributors, sales agents, TV channels, and festivals.
Projects from all over the world are eligible, as long as they are feature-length documentaries nearing completion. Selection is based on artistic quality, international potential, financial viability, and the experience of the team. Attendance of both the director and producer at the event is mandatory if selected.
The main goal is to facilitate professional connections, access to finishing funds, and support the film’s distribution and festival strategy. Applications are submitted online in English, with English subtitles required for audiovisual material in other languages, and a small participation fee applies. Selected projects receive accreditation, pitch training, and participation in presentations and one-on-one meetings with industry professionals.
Review official bases.
VdR–Work in Progress
The Rough Cut Lab, taking place during the VdR–Industry Days (April 6–9, 2025) in Nyon, Switzerland, is a competitive lab designed to support filmmakers during the editing process, helping them find the best creative direction for their films.
As part of the VdR–Industry program, this workshop focuses on four rough cuts, developed in collaboration with the filmmaking teams and mentors, who are experienced editors and industry professionals. Participation in this lab, conceived as a springboard for creative documentaries, also provides an opportunity for curated meetings with a wide range of buyers attending the industry program.
Review official bases.
VdR–Rough Cut Lab
The VdR–Development Lab is a nine-month long incubator for the development of creative documentaries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Review official bases.
VdR–Development Lab
