S A N TA M O N I C A
REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY smmirror.com
November 4 - November 10, 2022 Volume CLXV, Issue 169
INSIDE Letter to the Editor: Tennis v Pickleball (and the City of Santa Monica) PAGE 6
Santa Monica Welcomes Back Annual American Film Market World’s largest motion picture industry event returns to Santa Monica November 1 - 6 By Sam Catanzaro From November 1-6, 2022, Santa Monica welcomes thousands of global film leaders from more than 70 countries to the annual American Film Market (AFM), the world’s largest motion picture industry event, celebrating its return and 30th year at the beach. During the six-day conference, producers, distributors, sales agents, directors and key members of the worldwide motion picture and television industry will convene for screenings, deal-making, panels and networking. “November is a month of thanks and this year we’re thankful to welcome the American Film Market back to Santa Monica for its 30th year in our beachside city,” said Misti Kerns, President and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. “AFM is such a highlight and
plays a huge role in our economic recovery process, bringing thousands of film industry professionals to Santa Monica in what is typically our off-season. We also want to extend a special thanks to all the local businesses who put together specials just for the occasion and embody Santa Monica’s generous hospitality, we couldn’t do this without you.” To accommodate AFM, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel transforms into a hub and marketplace for the conference where more than 300 films are screened over the course of six days. According to Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, 90 percent of the world’s films are financed, produced and/or distributed by AFM participants. Referred to as “Hollywood by the Beach,” Santa Monica is an ideal location to screen films with a plethora of theaters all located within the City’s 8.3 square miles. Following suit to the previous years, Loews will convert the hotel’s ballroom space into screening rooms. AMC Santa Monica, Broadway Cineplex and Ocean Screening Roomwill also host AFM attendees, giving buyers the opportunity to view screenings in ideal environments across
Photo: American Film Market American Film Market 2018 on the Santa Monica Pier.
the AFM campus. “Santa Monica has been home to the AFM and the independent industry for 30 years and we are delighted to return beachside after three long years away,” said Jean Prewitt, Independent Film & Television Alliance President/CEO. “This year’s AFM is a much
anticipated in-person reunion for thousands of our colleagues and friends from around the world. Over the next week, AFM participants will be working hard, celebrating the creativity of our industry, and enjoying all that beautiful Santa Monica has to offer.”
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Santa Monica Raises $122,000 The Judy Fund Team named top fundraising team at Santa Monica Walk to End Alzheimer’s
More than 400 residents participated in this year’s Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s Santa Monica held at the Crescent Bay Park recently. Participants raised more than $122,000 to support the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association during the October 22 walk. “We are thankful to all those who walked and all those who donated to support this important cause. The funds raised are critical to continuing our many programs which support families and to finding a cure to this progressive, fatal disease,” said Alzheimer’s Association Walk Manager Donna Cohen. The Judy Fund Team was the top fundraising team at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising more than $16,400. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of
Photo: Courtesy the Alzheimer’s Association The 2022 Santa Monica Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In California alone, there are more than 690,000 people living with the
disease and 1.12 million caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association California Southland Chapter provides free educational programs, support services and care consultations across seven counties while
also supporting critical research towards a cure. The Alzheimer’s Association also offers care and support through the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline, 800-272-3900. To donate, visit alz.org/walk.