AFCI | Association of Film Commissioners International

Celebrating a Milestone: AFCI's 50th Anniversary! As we step into 2025, AFCI marks an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of empowering film commissions, fostering global collaboration, and supporting the screen industry. Founded in 1975 by visionary pioneers, AFCI has grown into a worldwide network connecting industry professionals, studios, and creatives to shape the future of storytelling. Over the past five decades, AFCI has championed regional film commissions and created impactful platforms like Cineposium and AFCI Week. Now, as we celebrate this legacy, we’re also preparing to launch exciting new initiatives, including a digital transformation of our website and services, to propel AFCI into the future. With our theme, “Celebrating a Legacy, Shaping the Future,” we are committed to driving innovation, deepening partnerships, and building a stronger global screen industry. Join us on this exciting journey! Stay updated with member highlights, engagement opportunities, and ways to collaborate by subscribing to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/g_Zy3zPA Thank you to our members, partners, and supporters for contributing to this extraordinary journey. Together, let’s make 2025 a year to remember and continue building a stronger, more connected global screen industry. Here’s to the next 50 years of AFCI! #AFCI #AFCI50Years #CelebratingLegacy #FilmCommissions #GlobalScreenIndustry

🎉 What an incredible year it has been for AFCI! From strengthening connections to exploring new horizons, 2024 has been a transformative chapter for our community and the global film industry. This year, we connected with members and industry professionals at key events, including Sundance Film Festival, European Film Market – EFM, and the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM). For the first time, we hosted the inaugural Global Film Commission Network Summit in partnership with Marché du Film - Festival de Cannes, uniting film commissions worldwide. We also celebrated excellence at the LMGI Awards (LOCATION MANAGERS GUILD INTERNATIONAL), participated in the Tasveer Film Festival and Market, and engaged with producers and innovators at the American Film Market and Ventana Sur. A major highlight was hosting the largest-ever edition of AFCI Week, welcoming over 170 film commission members from over 30 regions worldwide. In a historic move, we opened our doors to non-members, inviting studio executives, independent producers, and location managers to join us in fostering collaboration and innovation. As we prepare for Cineposium, hosted by Film Cincinnati , and celebrate AFCI’s 50th anniversary in 2025, we are excited to build on this year’s successes, continuing our mission to empower film commissions and connect the global screen sector. Thank you to our members, partners, and the entire AFCI community for making 2024 unforgettable. Relive our 2024 journey through the wrap-up video. Here's to the 2025 journey ahead! ✨ #AFCI #AFCIMember #AFCI50Years #FilmIndustry #AFCIWeek2024 #GlobalFilmCommission #ScreenSectorDevelopment

🎉 What an incredible year it has been for AFCI! From strengthening connections to exploring new horizons, 2024 has been a transformative chapter for our community and the global film industry. This year, we connected with members and industry professionals at key events, including Sundance Film Festival, European Film Market – EFM, and the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM). For the first time, we hosted the inaugural Global Film Commission Network Summit in partnership with Marché du Film - Festival de Cannes, uniting film commissions worldwide. We also celebrated excellence at the LMGI Awards (LOCATION MANAGERS GUILD INTERNATIONAL), participated in the Tasveer Film Festival and Market, and engaged with producers and innovators at the American Film Market and Ventana Sur. A major highlight was hosting the largest-ever edition of AFCI Week, welcoming over 170 film commission members from over 30 regions worldwide. In a historic move, we opened our doors to non-members, inviting studio executives, independent producers, and location managers to join us in fostering collaboration and innovation. As we prepare for Cineposium, hosted by Film Cincinnati , and celebrate AFCI’s 50th anniversary in 2025, we are excited to build on this year’s successes, continuing our mission to empower film commissions and connect the global screen sector. Thank you to our members, partners, and the entire AFCI community for making 2024 unforgettable. Relive our 2024 journey through the wrap-up video. Here's to the 2025 journey ahead! ✨ #AFCI #AFCIMember #AFCI50Years #FilmIndustry #AFCIWeek2024 #GlobalFilmCommission #ScreenSectorDevelopment

AFCI will be proud to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2025, and we want to feature you, our members & industry who make it all possible. Share your story and be part of this milestone year! Story Themes: 🔶 Looking Back: Your favorite moments from AFCI’s journey. 🔶 Impact & Legacy: How AFCI has supported your success. 🔶Partnership Value: The power of collaboration. 🔶Connection & Community: Relationships built through AFCI. 🔶Future Vision: Your hopes for the next 50 years. 👉Visit our 50th Anniversary page and submit your story, photos, and other materials: https://lnkd.in/gNjAdNdZ 👉Not a Member Yet? Join AFCI for 2025! https://lnkd.in/gyCCKqTu Let’s make 2025 unforgettable together! #AFCI #AFCI50Years #AFCIMembers

AFCI proudly congratulates the latest recipients of the Certified Film Commissioner (CFC) designation! 🎉 - Cynthia M. (formerly Flores) – Promperu - Anas Alkadi – Film AlUla - Kevin Dekok – City of Brantford These professionals have reached a significant milestone in their careers, earning the CFC certification while deepening their expertise in the vital role and practices of film commissioners. Congratulations to all! Interested in joining their ranks? Enroll in AFCI University today! Our expert-led, accessible programs are designed to help you thrive in this dynamic field. Whether you're new to the industry or seeking to advance your career, we offer courses that cover everything from economic development and marketing to filmmaking and film incentives. Explore our offerings, including Film Commission Fundamentals and Master Classes, and take your career to new heights. AFCI Film Commission members can also earn the prestigious CFC certification. 👉 Start your journey with AFCI University https://lnkd.in/grxkzuMD 👉 Learn more about AFCI Film Commission membership: https://lnkd.in/g_DbZghv #AFCI #AFCIUniversity #FilmCommissioner #CareerGrowth #FilmIndustry #Filmmaking #EconomicDevelopment

AFCI in partnership with Olsberg•SPI and Latin American Film Commission Network - LAFCN was pleased to take part in the 16th edition of Ventana Sur, held in Montevideo, Uruguay. On December 3rd, the panel discussion “Best Practice in Screen Sector Development: Developing the LATAM Screen Sector” took center stage at Sodre. Moderated by Marjorie Galas, Sr. Director, Members and Education, AFCI, the panel featured Kayleigh Hughes, Consultant, Olsberg SPI, who shared an update on the report's findings and key points of engagement for regional development as well as Claudia Triana de Vargas, Director General, PROIMAGENES COLOMBIA, who provided a case study on how Colombia has benefited from putting the best practice recommendations into action. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and actionable insights for the growth of LATAM’s screen industry. AFCI is proud to support initiatives that drive development and foster innovation in the global screen sector. #AFCI #VentanaSur #ScreenSectorDevelopment #LATAMFilm #FilmIndustryInnovation #GlobalCollaboration

Today, we proudly launched our first-ever online Locations Showcase featuring the incredible region of #SouthAfrica! 🎥 Producers and studios connected directly with our Film Commission member & regional colleagues, gaining access to up-to-date, reliable insights and showcasing the unique strengths of the region. This platform highlights the true heart of AFCI – empowering our members to put their regions on the global map and encouraging them to collaborate with their communities. 🌟🌎 But wait, there’s more! 🚀 Over the next year, we'll spotlight emerging regions bi-monthly, moving to monthly in 2026 – paving the way for even more dynamic connections in 2026. Plus, we’re embarking on an exciting new website development journey to strengthen ties between the industry and our members. AFCI is on the way to becoming the one-stop shop, trusted source of truth to help you bring your creative vision to life. 💻 🎞️ And next year? 🎉 We’re turning the big 5️⃣0️⃣! From parties to networking opportunities, you won’t want to miss out! 🍾✨ 👉 Sign up for our newsletters to stay in the loop: www.afci.org Let’s continue #DrivingProduction, creating #Jobs, and building the future of global filmmaking! 🛠️ #50YearAnniversary #WorkforceDevelopment #CreatingJobs #ConnectingIndustry

Don't forget to register for AFCI's Location Showcase Series, a new virtual initiative designed to spotlight the incredible production opportunities offered by member regions. The inaugural showcase will feature South Africa KZN Tourism & Film - Film in KZN on Tuesday, December 10, at: 9:00 AM PT 12:00 PM ET 5:00 PM GMT 7:00 PM SAST This 45-minute session will include a dynamic virtual tour highlighting South Africa’s stunning locations, production incentives, crew resources, and more. Producers, studio executives, and content creators are invited to join this unique session to explore why South Africa is a leading choice for global film productions. Register now: https://lnkd.in/dcC_5Xbv #FilmCommission #AFCI #AFCIMember #LocationShowcase #FilmIndustry

AFCI is excited to announce the launch of its Location Showcase Series, a new virtual initiative designed to spotlight the incredible production opportunities offered by member regions. The inaugural showcase will feature South Africa on Tuesday, December 10, at: 9:00 AM PT 12:00 PM ET 5:00 PM GMT 7:00 PM SAST This 45-minute session will include a dynamic virtual tour highlighting South Africa’s stunning locations, production incentives, crew resources, and more. Producers, studio executives, and content creators are invited to join this unique session to explore why South Africa is a leading choice for global film productions. Register now:  https://lnkd.in/dcC_5Xbv #FilmCommission #AFCI #LocationShowcase #FilmIndustry

Partner Engagement in the Screen Sector is crucial for building a stable, resilient industry with support across public and private sectors. The Best Practice in Screen Sector Development report by Olsberg•SPI in partnership with AFCI highlights how film commissions worldwide drive engagement and demonstrate the value of screen production. In the chapter "Best Practice in Partner Engagement," the report outlines strategies employed by leading commissions to create a strong foundation of support: 🔹 Identifying Key Partners: Successful screen sectors build relationships with central government, legislative bodies, and private sector stakeholders. Film commissions, like the British Film Institute (BFI) in the UK and the Illinois Film Office, have established long-term partnerships, emphasizing the value of screen production through robust incentives and policy support. 🔹 Data-Driven Communication: Reliable data on economic impact and return on investment helps secure ongoing support. Initiatives like Kenya’s Film Industry Satellite Account (FISA), launched by the Kenya Film Commission in collaboration with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, address data gaps by tracking the economic contributions of the film sector, such as job creation and GDP impact, providing critical insights to policymakers and industry partners. 🔹 Sustaining Engagement through Strategic Events: Consistent engagement can include local events and outreach. Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and the International Sami Film Institute’s partnerships in the Nordic region reflect how sector-focused events strengthen partnerships and attract new investments. 🔹 Aligning with National Priorities: In South Korea, support from the KoBiz (Korean Film Council) (KOFIC) has been pivotal in building the screen sector’s reputation and boosting the nation's international profile. For example, the government’s Hallyu Support Division, established in 2020, fosters Korean content exports and promotes the “Korean Wave” to strengthen cultural diplomacy and drive trade, tourism, and investment. These case studies highlight how effective partner engagement fosters a stable screen sector, capable of responding to evolving industry demands and creating long-term value. 👉 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gvhnrRhX 👉 Sign up for regional meetings to explore these findings further: https://lnkd.in/gAdMQW53 #AFCI #PartnerEngagement #ScreenSector #FilmIndustry #BFI #KOFIC #FISA #ScreenQueensland #InternationalSámiFilmInstitute