The American Film Market (AFM) has named Romania its first-ever Country of Focus, launching a new initiative in partnership with Creative Romanian Filmmakers (CRFM) at this year’s Market, taking place November 10–15 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

Romania will bring a delegation of producers, production companies and industry representatives to AFM 2026, alongside Palme d’Or–winning filmmaker Cristian Mungiu, whose latest film, “Fjord”, is Romania’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards. The delegation will have dedicated exhibition space at the Fairmont for meetings with international buyers and industry partners, complemented by film screenings and a special industry panel spotlighting Romania’s production capabilities and international co-production opportunities.

Jackie Brenneman, President & CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), which produces AFM, said: “Romania has been part of the AFM community for many years, and we’re proud to recognize its contributions to global cinema as our first-ever Country of Focus. Together with Creative Romanian Filmmakers, we look forward to showcasing the country’s exceptional talent and opportunities for international collaboration.”

Mihai Lupu, Managing Director of Creative Romanian Filmmakers, commented: “Since 2016, Creative Romanian Filmmakers has brought Romanian producers to the world’s most important film markets and festivals, and the American Film Market has always been a key stop on that journey. Being named Country of Focus this year is a milestone for our entire industry – an invitation to buyers, sales agents and producers to discover Romanian stories, talent and locations, and to build lasting partnerships with us.”

Long recognized for the international success of the Romanian New Wave, Romania has also become an increasingly attractive destination for international productions, combining acclaimed filmmaking talent with experienced crews, diverse locations, competitive production costs and a cash rebate program designed to attract international projects.

Cristian Mungiu, Palme d’Or–winning filmmaker, added: “This year, a Romanian film was awarded at every major festival. I believe Romanian films have real potential in international markets – not only at festivals, but with a wider audience. In this sense, Fjord’s awards-season campaign and its North American theatrical release look promising. And not only is the Romanian cash rebate working again, we have also started a conversation with the Romanian authorities about providing upfront cash-flow financing for the rebate, and we hope to see concrete results as early as 2027.”

The Country of Focus programming will feature a special panel, “Beyond the New Wave: Romania as Your Next Production Partner,” on Saturday, November 14, from 4:00–5:00 PM on the Constellation Stage at the Fairmont Century Plaza. Cristian Mungiu will be joined by Valentin Savu, General Manager, Romanian Office for Film and Investments in Culture, Alma Bacula, Head of Production & Partner, Icon Films, and leading producers Iuliana Tarnovetchi, Gabriel Popescu and Ionuț Ionescu. The discussion will explore opportunities for filming in Romania, partnering with local producers and accessing the country’s production incentives.

Romania will showcase four films through screenings at the AMC Century City 15, including “Comatogen” by Igor Cobileanski, “Gone Guy” by Andrei Dascalescu, “Grounded” by Ligia Ciornei and “The Circle” by Valeriu Andriuta, introducing Romanian cinema and talent to AFM’s international community of buyers, distributors and industry professionals.

At the Fairmont Century Plaza, Romanian companies will have dedicated exhibition space in suites 1005 and 1037 for meetings and business development. Participating companies include Augmented Films, Bullsrecords, Idea Film, Nomad Films Global, Profesional Film Partners, Quantum Media Creative, Frame Film, Mavish Ask, Negrea Visuals, Sýmbolon and Tarnovski Marketing Consultancy.

About the American Film Market (AFM)
The AFM is where the global film and television business comes to life every November. As the only independently produced international sales market, AFM brings together hundreds of finance, production, sales and distribution companies and thousands of professionals from every segment of the industry for six days of discovery, development, deal making, networking, marketplace discussions and world-class conferences. The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) and serves as the annual convention for the association.