```html AFM Returns to Los Angeles, Showcasing Diverse Slate of Sales Titles

The American Film Market (AFM) has returned to Los Angeles, setting up shop at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel from November 11-16. Following its 2024 edition in Las Vegas, the AFM welcomes buyers, sellers, and producers from over 60 countries, solidifying its position as a key event in the global film industry.

Global Presence and Strategic Location

The AFM's return to Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment industry, provides a strategic advantage for attendees. National umbrella stands featuring sales and production companies from countries including China, France, Germany, Italy, and Thailand demonstrate the market's international scope. Screenings will be hosted at the AMC Century City 15, conveniently located near the hotel within the Westfield Century City mall.

Spotlight on Sales Titles: From Ensemble Comedies to Action Thrillers

Variety offers a glimpse into a selection of sales titles being presented at the AFM, showcasing a diverse range of genres, including star-studded dramas, animated features, and suspenseful thrillers:

Alone Together: A British filmmaker in the Arabian desert finds connection during a rainstorm. (HanWay) The Arrival: Two long-lost brothers reunite in adulthood, exploring themes of identity and betrayal. (Cornerstone) Babies: An ensemble comedy-drama about the journey to parenthood, starring Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick. (AGC, CAA Media Finance) Bad Bridgets: Two Irish sisters in 19th-century New York create mayhem. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Emilia Jones. (FilmNation, WME Independent) Barry & Me: A boy protects his St. Bernard puppy in the Swiss Alps. (The Playmaker Munich) Brave Cat: A teenage forest cat searches for her missing mother. (Indie Sales) Buzzkill: A sheriff investigates dismembered locals, discovering a monster that feeds on blood alcohol. Starring Billy Magnussen and Lulu Wilson. (The Veterans, AC Independent, UTA Independent Film Group) Everybody Wants to F*ck Me: A dark comedy thriller set in London, starring Taron Egerton and Jessica Henwick. (Studiocanal) Father Joe: An action thriller starring Kiefer Sutherland as a man of faith waging war against the criminal underworld, with Al Pacino as a mob boss. (Kinology) Fish: An art history professor discovers he is turning into a fish in this genre-bending drama, starring Tim Roth and Hunter Schafer. (Minerva Pictures, TVCO) Halloween vs. Day of the Dead: An animated feature uniting rival towns to save their holidays. (Studio 100) Heartless: A former MMA fighter hunts organ traffickers to save her son's life. Starring Jeanne Goursaud and Colin Morgan. (K5 Intl.) Hello Betty: The true story of Emmi Creola, creator of the Swiss culinary icon Betty Bossi. (Picture Tree Intl.) Ink: An explosive cinematic rollercoaster about the rise of the Rupert Murdoch media empire, starring Guy Pearce, Jack O'Connell, and Claire Foy. (Studiocanal) Life Is Life: An Italian box office hit about a shepherd defending his land from a developer. (PiperFilm) Love Language: A woman discovers her talent for writing wedding vows, starring Chloë Grace Moretz and Anthony Ramos. (Protagonist) The Mark: Starring Jessica Alba.

Industry Expert Weighs In

“The AFM serves as a crucial barometer for the independent film market,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a film finance professor at UCLA. “The types of projects being offered, the countries represented, and the deals that are struck all provide valuable insights into the current trends and future direction of the industry. This year, the emphasis on international co-productions and genre films reflects the evolving tastes of global audiences and the increasing importance of diverse storytelling.”

Historical Context and Market Evolution

Since its inception in 1981, the AFM has evolved from a small gathering of independent filmmakers to a global marketplace. Its presence in Los Angeles reinforces the city's historical significance as the epicenter of the film industry. The shift towards digital distribution and streaming platforms has impacted the AFM, influencing the types of deals being negotiated and the strategies employed by sales agents. The market's adaptability is key to its continued relevance in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.

The Future of Film Sales

The AFM remains a vital platform for independent filmmakers to connect with distributors and secure financing for their projects. While the dominance of major studios and streaming services continues to reshape the industry, the AFM provides a space for independent voices to be heard and for unique stories to find their audience. The success of this year's market will depend on its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the industry and to foster meaningful connections between buyers and sellers.

Analytical Viewpoint

"While studio films dominate headlines, the AFM is where the engine of independent cinema truly runs," notes film critic, David Edelstein. "It's a place where risks are taken, new talent is discovered, and stories that might never see the light of day within the studio system get a chance to find their audience. The sheer volume of projects being presented is a testament to the enduring power of independent filmmaking." ```