Despite a cautious overall market at AFM 2025, members of the Association of German Film Exporters (VDFE | vdfe.de) closed numerous international deals and ongoing negotiations across more than 40 territories worldwide. While few major deals were announced industry-wide, German companies performed particularly well with animated projects.
AFM 2025 was marked by cautious buyers: declining global box office figures and shrinking pay TV revenues have created a more discerning market among distributors and broadcasters. “Distributors are becoming increasingly selective. TV networks are acquiring very few titles,” confirms Alice Einem, Managing Director of Epsilon Film. “Accordingly, demand is growing for productions with clear international appeal.”
German World Sales Strong in Animation
German world sales companies stood out particularly with animated films: Sola Media sold the German production Mission Santa in numerous territories, many with theatrical releases this Christmas. Studio 100 Film secured pre-sales for the German-Mexican co-production Halloween vs. Day of the Dead in seven countries. Global Constellation expanded sales for Charlie the Wonderdog to four additional territories.
“We are pleased that we were once again able to convince buyers with our animated films,” says Einem. “In addition, the English-language feature Momo with an international ensemble generated significant interest.”
Beyond animation, VDFE members also reported success: The Match Factory launched two new titles with strong distributor interest, The Playmaker sold in Scandinavia, Greece and MENA, and Epsilon Film scored with various titles.
Fabien Westerhoff, Managing Director Film at Global Constellation (Vuelta), concludes: “AFM was an extremely efficient and strong market for us. In what is undoubtedly a challenging climate for independents, we want to continue working to create an environment that strengthens the indie film community.”
Key Sales Overview:
Epsilon Film
- Various animated films and Momo (English-language feature): Multiple territories, strong buyer interest
Global Constellation
- Charlie the Wonderdog: U.K./Ireland (Altitude), France (KMBO), Latin America (Cine Video y TV), Hungary (FoxxMedia)
The Match Factory
- Rosebush Pruning (Karim Aïnouz) and Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (Jane Schoenbrun): Strong distributor interest
The Playmaker
- Das Geheime Stockwerk: Chinese Airlines (Century Carnival), Scandinavia (Suntower)
- Karla: Greece (Rosebud.21)
- Sew Torn: MENA (Falcon Films)
Sola Media
- Mission Santa: 15 territories including North America (Cosmo Blue), France (KMBO), Spain (39 Escalones), Baltics (ACME), Hungary & Romania (ADS), Ex-Yugoslavia (Blitz), Czech Republic and Slovakia (Bohemia Motion Pictures), Poland (Vivarto), Benelux (Paradiso), Bulgaria (Pro Films), Vietnam (Runup), Greece (Tanweer), Mongolia (Filmbridge); additional territories in negotiation
Studio 100 Film
- Halloween vs. Day of the Dead: Greece (Rosebud21), Ukraine (UFD), Ex-Yugoslavia (Blitz), Czech Republic and Slovakia (Donart), Iceland (Myndform), Israel (Filmhouse)
- The Last Dodo: Greece (Rosebud21), Turkey (Library Kingdom), Ukraine (SVOE), Ex-Yugoslavia (Blitz), Czech Republic and Slovakia (Foxx), Iceland (Myndform), Israel (Filmhouse)
- Additional titles: Rally — From Paris to the Pyramids (Turkey), Arnie & Barney (Poland, Turkey, Iceland), North (Poland), On The Edge (Latin America), Flamingo Flamenco (Latin America, InFlight), Toxic (Iceland)
