AFM: Middle East Buyers Shunning This Year’s Market Over Fears of Being Detained at U.S. Border Control

As a seasoned movie buff with a knack for traversing the globe to attend film events, I’ve seen my fair share of political landscapes influence the industry. This year, however, the escalating tensions in the Middle East have cast a long shadow over the American Film Market (AFM).


As the U.S. presidential election coincides with the American Film Market on November 5, many international attendees are finding an extra dose of excitement and interest as they journey to the event in Las Vegas. On the other hand, some have chosen to avoid it due to uncertainties surrounding the potential aftermath, preferring to keep their distance.

Meanwhile, it’s also being reported that a major political scenario is influencing the attendees list for the event in a substantial manner.

It has been reported that the persistent and intensifying conflicts in the Middle East have led distributors from the region to steer clear of the American Film Market this year. Several sales companies have observed that none of their regular MENA (Middle East and North Africa) clients will be attending the market in Las Vegas this time, opting instead to handle their business transactions remotely.

Reports indicate that one reason for skipping the event is the U.S.’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, which are backed by the U.S. However, when considering the travel aspects, there’s a growing concern about potential profiling upon arrival and lengthy interrogations by border control at the airport. This issue has become more pronounced over the past year.

Over the past few months, a local purchaser has heard “troubling tales” about Arab nationals encountering difficulties when entering the U.S. This person recounted an instance where one individual waited nearly four hours upon arrival, while another spent an additional three hours leaving the country.

As a film enthusiast traversing the globe, I can’t help but feel a subtle unease about stepping foot on American soil during an election period. Add to that the financial burden of indirect flights, as there are no direct routes from the primary hub in Dubai to vibrant Las Vegas.

As a source succinctly concluded: “So yeah, fuck that.”

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2024-11-04 20:19