By: Guest Columnist Adam Spector
At the Miami Beach Convention Center, a unique and intimate gathering of media and
entertainment professionals convened for the 2023 edition of the Miami Media and Film Market
(MMFM). A yearly event since 2010, MMFM 2023 featured over two jam-packed days,
showcasing the best and brightest from the world of film, television, and digital media. While it
may not have the sprawling scale of major film markets, its smaller size and curated guest list
brought an air of exclusivity and purpose that sets it apart from the AFM’s and MIPCOM’s of
the world.
See MMFM 2023 Video Gallery: Click Here
“I would consider it an industry event, a networking event, an educational event, a business
opportunity event, and even a vacation event,” remarked Jeff Williams, an Orlando-based
producer and actor. In other words, this is a multifaceted conference where professionals from all
corners of the entertainment industry gather yearly to share insights, forge connections, and
explore new collaborations and opportunities.
See MMFM 2023 Photo Gallery: Click Here
Officially described as a “fast-growing film and entertainment international co-production forum
and marketplace,” MMFM plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the global
entertainment industry and the fast-growing, diverse, and multicultural markets that are emerging
worldwide. Despite its boutique size, MMFM’s focused atmosphere proved conducive to
meaningful interactions.
MMFM’s Co-Founder and CEO, Patty Arias, emphasized that the choice of a more intimate
setting was deliberate. Her experience attending larger Industry events such as Berlinale and
EFM revealed the downside of massive events – the loss of personal connections. She wanted
MMFM to offer attendees the opportunity to interact directly with high-level industry
professionals.
Arias also pointed out that the intimate size of the event is one of its defining features. In
addition to improved networking opportunities, the convention’s relaxed ambiance attracts busy
producers and creatives searching for more authentic experiences in the changing world of
entertainment.
“We create a platform where people can establish relationships and build projects in their
communities and around the world,” Arias explained, underscoring the event’s significance in
fostering connections that extend beyond the conference.
The choice of Miami for MMFM was not arbitrary; rather, it serves a strategic purpose. Florida
was once the third-ranked state for media production in the United States. Although the industry
has dwindled in the State, it has the potential to become a major hub for independent film, TV
and digital media production. Movies like “Moonlight,” an Academy Award-winning film that
showcased Miami’s potential, were filmed in the area. As importantly, the film was created and
created by Miami natives who wanted to tell an authentic local story with universal appeal.
Jose Luis “JL” Martinez, the Creative Director and Co-Founder of MMFM, elaborated on the
event’s purpose, explaining that it’s more than just a gathering of “power players, indie producers
and local filmmakers. “MMFM serves as a marketplace of ideas, where the international
entertainment community converges to discuss everything from film and television to project
development, financing, marketing, and distribution. It is both an educational conference and a
business networking and co-production conference, where international partners come together
to breathe life into creative projects.” He added, “the goal is to find the next great piece of
intellectual property ‘IP’ that emerges from Miami creatives and finds success globally.”
The goal is clear: to rejuvenate the media business in Florida and make Miami another “creative
hub.” JL also highlighted the talented individuals living in Miami and the surrounding regions,
emphasizing the importance of tapping into local talent.
MMFM’s lineup of speakers from previous years has been nothing short of impressive. From
Emmy and Grammy winners to professionals associated with Academy Award-winning projects,
the event attracted a diverse array of industry experts, including Brenda Gilbert, Co-Founder,
BRON, Stewart Mackinnon, “The Man in the High Castle,” Paul Brett “The King’s Speech,”
Carlos Rafael Rivera, “The Queen’s Gambit,” and many others.
The conference does not just cater to industry veterans; it provides equal attention and speaking
time to producers and creatives working on lower-budget independent projects. Patty Arias
clarified that discovering and nurturing new talent was a central aspect of such networking
events. Even those who’ve achieved great success in the industry recognize the importance of
fostering new voices.
Jeff Williams, who brought experience from working on indie projects, commended MMFM for
its inclusivity. “I thought the event did a wonderful job of combining individuals of all
experiences, of all caliber into one melting pot,” he praised. The event’s professionalism was
palpable, creating an environment where everyone, from budding talents to established figures,
could interact meaningfully.
While MMFM may be smaller in scale compared to industry giants like Cannes, its significance
in fostering connections and rekindling Miami-Dade’s film and TV industry potential cannot be
overstated. It’s an event that seeks to encourage collaboration, and create opportunities, all under
the Miami sun. With the dreams of transforming Miami into a major Industry and creative hub
for the global screen industries powered by local talent, MMFM continues to serve as a testament
to the resilience and adaptability of the entertainment industry.
To Learn More about MMFM click here.