Spain’s Audiovisual Industry Set for a Strong Presence at AFM 2024 in Las Vegas
The third edition of Spanish Screenings On Tour, a significant initiative to promote Spain's audiovisual industry, will take place at the American Film Market (AFM) in Las Vegas from November 5 to 10, 2024. Under the slogan "Spanish Audiovisual: Creativity, Diversity & Success," this program aims to strengthen Spain’s presence in the US market, building on successful showcases in previous years.
Presented at the San Sebastián Film Festival, this edition of Spanish Screenings On Tour is part of the broader Spanish Screenings XXL initiative. This international market for Spanish audiovisual productions enjoys the backing of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry for Digital Transformation, ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, and key Spanish film festivals, such as Málaga and San Sebastián.
During the event, Spanish audiovisual projects across various genres, including animation, fantasy, and remakes, will be highlighted. Nine projects in the final stages of development will be showcased, along with a diverse catalogue from leading Spanish sales agents and producers. More than ten Spanish production companies will have the chance to present their works to major international industry players.
Ignasi Camós, General Director of Spain’s Film Institute (ICAA), emphasized the growing international visibility of Spanish cinema, citing notable recent achievements such as Pedro Almodóvar’s "Golden Lion" at Venice and Spain’s strong presence at festivals like Toronto and San Sebastián. He highlighted that the Spanish Screenings program has evolved into a crucial international platform for the sector, particularly in key markets like the Iberoamerican Ventana Sur and Rome’s MIA.
"Spanish Screenings On Tour is taking another step towards expanding our industry’s reach in the US, with the largest Spanish presence at this key audiovisual market," said Camós during the presentation.
Elisa Carbonell, CEO of ICEX, detailed the plans for the AFM screenings, which will include 17 Spanish films. These market screenings aim to enhance the visibility of Spanish cinema internationally and will take place both online and on-site. "The AFM 2024 offers a strategic platform for international buyers and distributors to discover new Spanish films, strengthening our presence in global cinema markets," Carbonell stated.
Juan Antonio Vigar, Director of the Málaga Film Festival, introduced the selected projects, which include four animation works in the Animation Showcase section. He pointed out the global success of Spanish animation, noting how previous participants, such as María Trenor’s Rock Bottom, have gone on to receive critical acclaim. Vigar also announced that the Fantastic Showcase will feature five projects in the fantasy, horror, and sci-fi genres, emphasizing Spain’s growing influence in these sectors.
In addition, the Remakes Showcase will present an extensive catalogue of adaptable works, aligning with the US market’s strong demand for remakes and adaptations. Vigar highlighted the goal of not only internationalizing Spanish audiovisual works but also promoting Spanish talent and expertise globally.
As the program progresses, more details on the selected projects and companies will be revealed. These works, set to be featured at AFM 2024, reflect the diversity and creative strength of Spanish audiovisual productions.
The AFM is recognized as one of the world's largest film markets, with over a billion dollars in deals annually. This year’s edition will feature thousands of industry professionals from across the globe, providing an exceptional opportunity for Spain's audiovisual sector to expand its influence and network in the US.
Spanish Screenings On Tour is part of Spain’s broader cultural and economic strategy under the "Spain Audiovisual Hub of Europe" initiative, designed to promote the country’s audiovisual production capabilities and attract international investment.