AFM: Middle East Buyers Shunning This Year’s Market Over Fears of Being Detained at U.S. Border Control
variety.comAlex Ritman With the U.S. presidential election taking place the very same day the American Film Market starts on Nov. 5, for many international buyers flocking to the event in Las Vegas it’s become an added element of curiosity and intrigue as they travel to America.
For others, however, because of the uncertainty about what might happen afterwards it’s become a very good reason to stay well away.
But another major political situation is reportedly having a significant impact on the event’s guestlist. Variety hears that the ongoing and escalating violence in the Middle East has resulted in distributors from the region choosing to avoid the AFM — and the U.S — altogether this year.
Multiple sales company have noted that none of their usual MENA (Middle East and North Africa) clients are going to in Vegas for the market and will instead conduct business remotely.
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