The Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) has selected the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) as the recipient of its 2026 Trailblazer Award. The honour will be presented at the LMGI Awards on 22 August at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica, recognising organisations whose leadership has expanded opportunities and left a lasting impact on the film and television industry.

Founded more than 50 years ago, the AFCI is described as the leading global network for film commissions, working to strengthen ties between film commissions and the wider screen industry through education, advocacy and professional development. LMGI Awards chair Nancy Haecker said location managers rely heavily on film commissions to connect productions with communities and navigate local complexities, praising the AFCI's role in building a stronger global network of partners for location professionals and production teams.