FilmQuest Festival to Launch Genre-Focused Market in 2026

In a move that promises to shake up the film industry, two seasoned festival directors are joining forces to launch a genre-focused film market that will debut alongside the FilmQuest Festival in 2026. Jonathan Martin, the founder and director of FilmQuest, and Jon Fitzgerald, co-founder of Slamdance, have been quietly working on this ambitious project, which aims to provide a platform for genre-focused projects to connect with industry professionals and secure funding. The FilmQuest Market is the brainchild of Martin and Fitzgerald, who met while working in the film industry. Martin, a lifelong horror fan, founded FilmQuest in 2015 as a way to showcase genre films that often get overlooked by mainstream audiences. Fitzgerald, on the other hand, has a long history of working in film festivals, including co-founding Slamdance in 1995. The two men share a passion for genre films and a desire to create a platform that would allow these types of projects to thrive. "We're not just creating a market, we're creating a community," Martin said in an interview. "We want to provide a space for genre filmmakers to connect with industry professionals, get feedback on their projects, and secure funding. We believe that this will be a game-changer for the genre film industry." The FilmQuest Market will feature a range of activities, including pitch sessions, panel discussions, and networking events. The market will also include a competition for genre-focused projects, with cash prizes and distribution deals on the line. Martin and Fitzgerald have assembled a team of industry experts to help curate the market and provide guidance to participating filmmakers. One of the key benefits of the FilmQuest Market is its focus on genre films. While mainstream films often get the most attention, genre films have a dedicated fan base and can be incredibly profitable. According to a report by the Motion Picture Association of America, genre films accounted for 70% of the box office revenue in 2020. However, these films often struggle to secure funding and distribution deals. "The FilmQuest Market is a response to the lack of opportunities for genre filmmakers," Fitzgerald said. "We're creating a platform that will allow these filmmakers to connect with industry professionals and get the support they need to bring their projects to life." The FilmQuest Market is expected to attract a range of industry professionals, including producers, distributors, and financiers. The market will also feature a range of networking events, including a red-carpet gala and a closing night party. While the FilmQuest Market is still in its early stages, Martin and Fitzgerald are confident that it will be a success. They have assembled a team of industry experts and have secured funding from a range of sources, including private investors and film industry organizations. "We're excited to bring this new market to the film industry," Martin said. "We believe that it will provide a much-needed platform for genre filmmakers and help to drive innovation and creativity in the industry." The FilmQuest Festival, which will take place alongside the market, will feature a range of genre-focused films, including horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. The festival will also include a range of panels and workshops, featuring industry experts and filmmakers. The launch of the FilmQuest Market is expected to have a significant impact on the film industry, particularly in the genre film sector. According to a report by the market research firm, IBISWorld, the global film industry is expected to grow at a rate of 4.5% per year between 2020 and 2025. However, the report also notes that the genre film sector is expected to grow at a rate of 6.5% per year during the same period. The FilmQuest Market is expected to be a major player in this growth, providing a platform for genre filmmakers to connect with industry professionals and secure funding. With its focus on genre films and its commitment to providing a supportive community for filmmakers, the FilmQuest Market is poised to become a major force in the film industry. As the film industry continues to evolve, the need for innovative platforms like the FilmQuest Market is becoming increasingly clear. With its focus on genre films and its commitment to providing a supportive community for filmmakers, the FilmQuest Market is well-positioned to become a leader in the industry. The launch of the FilmQuest Market is a major milestone for Martin and Fitzgerald, who have been working tirelessly to bring this project to life. Their dedication and passion for genre films have paid off, and the market is expected to be a huge success. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how the FilmQuest Market impacts the genre film sector. With its focus on community building and its commitment to providing a supportive platform for filmmakers, the FilmQuest Market is poised to become a major force in the industry.