The film markets calendar: where independent films are sold
Last reviewed: July 2026
Most international film sales happen at a small number of film markets held alongside major festivals. Sales agents compile their slates and send packages to distributors two to three weeks before each market, and buyers evaluate fast — sometimes within hours. If a film lands on the right slate at the right moment, it's in the conversation; if it doesn't, it waits for the next market.
The principal markets are the European Film Market in Berlin, the Marché du Film in Cannes, and the American Film Market, with significant additional business at Toronto, Sundance, Hong Kong FILMART and Ventana Sur.
The major markets
European Film Market (EFM) — Berlin, February
Runs alongside the Berlinale. The year's first major market and where the year's slates are established. Strong for European and arthouse titles, and increasingly for genre.
Marché du Film — Cannes, May
The largest. Alongside the Cannes Film Festival. Highest concentration of buyers, sellers and financiers anywhere, and the market where the biggest independent deals are done. Also where finance is raised for films that don't yet exist.
American Film Market (AFM) — autumn
The most transactional of the three: less festival, more business. Historically strong for genre and commercial independent film.
Toronto International Film Festival — September
Not a formal market, but a major acquisitions moment, particularly for North American rights on completed films. Premiering here can set international value for the rest of the year.
Sundance — January
Same: a festival that functions as an acquisitions market, principally for US rights on American independents.
Hong Kong FILMART — March — the key Asian market.
Ventana Sur — December — Latin American market.
How a market actually works for your film
Two to three weeks before: your agent sends the slate to their buyer list. Screeners go to selected buyers. This is when most decisions begin.
During: scheduled meetings, buyer screenings, and negotiation. Deals can be agreed in a single conversation.
Immediately after: follow-up, offers firming into deals, contracting.
Which is why timing matters more than producers expect. A film that misses a market by a fortnight waits months. If your delivery date is close to a market, that's a strategic decision, not a logistical one — and worth discussing with an agent before you lock the schedule.
Should a producer attend?
If you have representation: usually not necessary, and rarely harmful. Ask your agent — some value having the producer available for meetings, others find it complicates the room.
If you're seeking representation: yes, potentially very valuable. Direct approaches at markets are legitimate and often faster than cold email, particularly for a commercially packaged project. Arrive with a complete package — cast, director, financing structure, and realistic comparable titles.
If you're researching: markets are the most efficient place to learn who sells what, and to gather intelligence on comparable titles that isn't available publicly.
Frequently asked
Do I need a badge?
Yes, for the markets proper. They're accredited industry events, with fees. Some festivals offer reduced-rate industry accreditation.
Can I sell my film at a market myself?
It's possible and it's hard. Buyers work through agents by preference — a slate is pre-vetted, contracting is standardised, and the relationship persists. A single producer with a single film is a bigger risk for the same effort.
What do I need before approaching a market?
A finished film or a credible package, materials, a clear sense of your comparable titles, and realistic asking prices. Arriving with a screener and no plan is a wasted trip.
How many markets does a film normally take?
It varies enormously. Some sell out of a premiere; others sell across three or four markets and eighteen months. Ask a prospective agent how many markets they'll commit to, and get it in writing.
Read next
How to find a sales agent for your film →
Arrange a meeting
We attend EFM, the Cannes Marché, TIFF and AFM. To arrange a meeting or a screening, contact us →