Alternativa Film Project

The Alternativa Film Project is a new international project to support filmmakers from developing film industries, and to make them more visible on a global scale.

The project is a nomadic initiative that will gradually expand its geography. In 2023, we kick off in Central Asia with three film labs and our first international awards ceremony, to be held in Kazakhstan.

Our mission

To help bring into the limelight those talents whose work can enrich our perception of the world and change it for the better. We seek to transform the world of cinema’s existing status quo by boosting the development of local industries and communities.

Alternativa Film Awards

The Alternativa Film Awards present an alternative system for recognizing professionals from different countries and provide a platform for the exchange of experience. We honor films that bring change to the world and society, while appealing to a wide audience.

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Pitching Training

Online,
October 26-30, 2023

A crash course in pitching from international experts who will teach participants how to present a project, analyze its strengths and weaknesses, create a promotional strategy for a film, and plan a roadmap for their professional development.

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IMPACT LAB

Almaty,
November 26-30, 2023

The Impact Lab caters for producers and directors of projects that could have significant impact on society by raising sensitive issues such as human rights, the environment, inequality, conflicts and human tragedies.

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Teen Lab

Bishkek,
September-November 2023

A cinema workshop for teenagers who want to shoot and act in films, and learn how to tell captivating stories through films and videos posted on social networks.

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expert panel

Total Prize Fund:

$100 000

The Awards ceremony:

December, 2, 2023
Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Submit until October, 1

submit

Alternativa Film awards

Rules & Regulations Privacy Policy

Total Prize Fund:

$100 000

The Awards ceremony:

December 2, 2023
Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Submit until October, 1

submit

To find brave, new, unheard voices and amplify them on a global scale.
To support filmmakers who need it most by providing resources and networking within the international community.
To strengthen the ties between cinema and social change.

The awards evaluate both the artistic merits of the films and their social impact. We seek to find and support films that address important social and cultural topics, and that have a positive effect on the lives of people and local communities.

As an international initiative, the award aims to strengthen cultural ties between various regions. In 2023 we are accepting entries from all the countries in Asia, with a particular focus on Central Asia. You can find a full list of eligible countries in the Awards Rules.

Feature films, documentaries, animation and hybrid films from all Asian countries are eligible for the awards. This year, we are only accepting short films of any genre (including documentaries and animation) from Central Asia. Films must have been completed in 2022 or 2023.

A shortlist of award nominees will be selected by a committee consisting of film critics and journalists, curators, and artistic and programming directors of film festivals from Central Asia and other Asian countries. The winners will be chosen by an international jury of film directors and producers from Asia and Europe, as well as of social activists, community leaders and NGO representatives.

NOMINATIONS

The Alternativa Film Awards are presented in five categories. As we do not want to establish a hierarchy, all awards are equivalent in status and each has a prize fund of $20,000. We also present one special award, which does not come with a cash prize.

FUTURE VOICE

This is awarded to a filmmaker who has the potential to contribute to change, both in the film industry and society in general. The award aims to support new talent and is given for a first or second feature.

SPOTLIGHT

This recognizes a film that shines light on a topic or story that would otherwise have remained below the public’s radar. The award stresses the importance of putting those who are less noticed on the screen.

ALTER

This recognizes a film that encourages social change. The award is given to a film that addresses critical issues (human rights, migration, wars, environment etc.) and has the potential to have an impact on society.

NATIVA

This award goes to a film that touches upon topics of national or cultural identity. The award is given for the representation of a country or a region, and for putting that place or community on the map.

SHORTS AWARD

For a short film produced in a focus region. The award aims to support local talents in their pursuit of new paths.

RESONANCE

A special prize for a film that has achieved outstanding success with an audience outside its home region.

*This prize is not part of the open call, and does not carry a monetary reward.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

Pitching Training

Online, October 26-30, 2023

Submit until October, 3

submit

Impact Lab

Almaty, November 26-30, 2023

Submit until November, 1

submit

Alternativa Film labs

Alternativa offers free educational programs for filmmakers at different stages of their journey, who explore social issues in their countries, and who seek to develop their homeland’s film industry and give a voice to their local communities.

We provide the necessary skills and toolkit to help filmmakers amplify their project’s impact, expand their audience, and tell important stories that haven’t been screened yet due to a lack of knowledge or resources.

They will not only acquire knowledge and experience, but also gain access to a platform for networking and the free exchange of ideas, along with further development opportunities with project partners.

Key players in cinema with extensive industry experience, from the directors of international festivals to successful producers, as well as international experts who know how to come up with and implement strategies which trigger real social change.

Pitching Training

Online, October 26-30, 2023

more details

Impact Lab

Almaty, November 26-30, 2023

more details

Teen Lab

Bishkek, September-November 2023

A cinema workshop for teenagers who want to shoot and act in films, and learn how to tell captivating stories through films and videos posted on social networks.

more details

MANIFESTO

For us any choice is a path.
We look outside existing frames.
And encourage talents on their journey:

From an inner voice to an international message.
From an unknown author to an unprecedented filmmaker.
From an impossible script to an impactful story to show people
from an unsupported effort to an unstoppable impact on a community.

Our awards celebrate the bravest journeys.
Our film labs foster self-confidence.
From wherever you come from to wherever your film takes us —

follow choiceAlternativa.