The American Film Market (AFM) 2025 will take place from November 11 to 16 in Los Angeles, California. It is one of the most important independent film markets globally, where distribution, financing, and promotion deals worth billions of dollars are made.
The event gathers producers, distributors, buyers, and industry professionals to present projects, network, and participate in specialized conferences and panels. Key activities include the Pitch Conference, where filmmakers can present projects through a two-minute video, and support programs for film sales companies.
The call is open to film professionals interested in showcasing, financing, or selling cinematic projects. It provides an opportunity to expand networks, gain international visibility, and understand trends in the independent film market. Participation enables strategic connections with key global industry players and access to practical insights on film production, distribution, and marketing.
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
