All articles tagged with #film market
Cannes 2026 shows far fewer Hollywood blockbusters on display as studios delay finished films and rethink spending on releases that won’t hit theaters soon. The festival remains a key market for acquisitions, with indie and genre projects drawing interest from buyers, while consolidation and a mixed box-office recovery reshape deal-making and the prospects for a true Hollywood comeback.
Sundance 2026 in Park City showcases a strong slate of comedies and star-powered projects, but buyers and distributors remain cautious in a volatile market, weighing pay-1 and PVOD strategies as they eye titles frequently highlighted by buyers (e.g., Antiheroine, Cookie Queens, The Gallerist, I Want Your Sex, See You When I See You).
TIFF's unofficial market hot list features high-profile projects including films starring Angelina Jolie, Sydney Sweeney, and Chris Evans, showcasing a mix of prestige thrillers, star-driven dramas, and innovative debuts, positioning TIFF as a key player in the independent film industry ahead of its official market launch.
The American Film Market (AFM) faced criticism after relocating from Los Angeles to the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for its 2024 edition. Attendees complained about logistical issues, limited dining options, and the venue's "soulless" atmosphere. Despite some praise for the proximity of screening rooms, many expressed dissatisfaction, with some suggesting a return to LA. Organizers defended the choice, citing logistical and economic considerations, and are open to reevaluating the location for future events.
The 45th American Film Market (AFM) kicks off in Las Vegas amid the backdrop of a tense U.S. presidential election and a surge in horror film offerings. The move from Santa Monica to the Palms Casino Resort has drawn mixed reactions, with some attendees concerned about the venue's suitability and potential political unrest. Despite these concerns, AFM has sold out its exhibition space and is hosting 286 companies from 34 countries. The market is heavy on genre films, particularly horror, though some buyers express concerns about the originality and quality of the projects.
Chelsea Peretti's directorial debut film, "First Time Female Director," has been acquired by Roku at the Tribeca Festival. The comedy follows a playwright who takes over the production of a local play after the theater's director is fired. The film stars Peretti, Megan Mullally, Blake Anderson, Megan Stalter, and Kate Berlant. The price of the acquisition has not been disclosed.
A-list actors such as Angelina Jolie, Jude Law, and Sylvester Stallone are attached to projects being brought to market at Cannes, which is experiencing its biggest edition in years. However, the Writers Guild strike is a major concern for the industry, with the impact on production yet to be felt. Despite this, the international sales business is rebounding, with theatrical markets getting healthier and more mid-sized territories returning to the marketplace. The big question remains: if, how, and when will these projects get made?
The Hollywood writers' strike is casting a shadow over the Cannes film market, but the partial resurgence of the theatrical market and growing digital ancillary business offer hope for the indie industry. International buyers remain cautious about taking risks on films that don't tick every box, but hot titles heading to Cannes include a mix of comedies, action thrillers, and art-house dramas. Notable films include Guy Ritchie's untitled action film starring Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal, and the romantic biopic Voyagers starring Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones.