AFM kicks off amid election day tensions in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Buzz and Election Jitters Collide

Dean Devlin knows his way around apocalyptic scenarios, being the mastermind behind movies like Independence Day, Godzilla, and The Patriot. However, even for him, the idea of holding the AFM — the world’s largest independent movie market — in Las Vegas during the 2024 U.S. Presidential election feels like it’s straight out of one of his high-stakes movie plots.

“First of all, you move AFM to Vegas, which is already, like, hmmm,” explains Devlin, remarking on the relocation from Santa Monica to Nevada this year after over four decades. “And then you do it on one of the most contentious elections in American history.”

A Shift to Sin City: A New Stage for AFM

This year, Devlin’s Electric Entertainment is screening the Matt Sohn-directed faith-based family comedy One Big Happy Family at AFM. Yet, the election looms large, seizing attention away from the movies. Hollywood’s suspense intensifies as the Trump vs. Harris showdown draws closer, echoing global concerns about American foreign policies and their impacts — from the Ukraine conflict to the crisis in the Middle East.

Industry Anxiety and America’s Political Turmoil

Hollywood’s Pulse Check: Film Industry Concerns

“I think it’s going to be really charged emotionally for everybody, and there are going to be a lot of jitters going into AFM,” confesses a U.S. film seller. The anxiety is palpable; regardless of the election results, emotions are expected to run high, with feelings of anger and disappointment inevitable for some.

David Garrett of Mister Smith Entertainment believes that a Trump victory might overshadow the event. However, he predicts, “If Trump loses, he’s going to go down fighting, so that won’t be a tranquil outcome either.”

Tax Code Concerns for Independent Producers

For independent film producers, the stakes are particularly high regarding potential changes to the tax code. Policies favoring the film industry in blue states, such as Gavin Newsom’s plan to dramatically increase California’s tax incentives, could face significant challenges if the White House shifts to Republican control.

Devlin reflects, “We saw when Trump got elected last time, how he wanted to make New York and California suffer. This is a man who unabashedly talks about vengeance, and Hollywood has not been kind to him. I suspect he would seek revenge.”

Trade Policies: A Silver Lining for American Films?

Some industry experts hold a more optimistic view, suggesting that a U.S.-centric trade policy championed by both Trump and Harris could benefit American film production and sales. If Washington supports Hollywood in international negotiations — tackling online regulations and piracy — the film industry could see positive outcomes. Conversely, international sellers might find a silver lining if the U.S. dollar dips following a Trump victory, as it did in 2016.

Garrett wryly notes, “My hunch is, if Trump gets in, the dollar will take a dive, which could actually be good for sales.”

Uncertainty Lingers Beyond Election Day

As AFM unfolds amidst this climate of uncertainty, one thing remains clear: it could be days, weeks, or even longer before the world knows who the next president of the United States will be, especially if the election results face challenges.

Despite the political turmoil, the independent film industry is expected to persevere. A Los Angeles-based sales agent emphasizes, “Whatever happens, we will always need movies and entertainment. In times of political unrest, people are drawn to escapism and escapist entertainment. That’s the essence of our business.”

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