About
Alternativa Film Festival is an alternative system for recognizing filmmakers from across the Global South, enabling their work to reach broad and diverse audiences and build bridges across regions. We honor films that bring positive change to the world and society.
Our festival is nomadic and moves to a new focus region with each edition. Since launching in Central Asia (Almaty, Kazakhstan) in 2023, the Festival has expanded to Southeast Asia (Yogyakarta, Indonesia) in 2024 and Latin America (Medellín, Colombia) in 2026. The next edition will take place in Africa in 2027, continuing our mission to spotlight unique voices in Global South cinema.
OUR MISSION
AWARDS
Seven Alternativa Film Awards are presented in six categories with a total prize fund of $120,000. Fiction, documentary, hybrid and animated films of all genres compete together for the Awards.
SPOTLIGHT Award
Celebrating cinema that reveals the unseen
Presented to a film that brings overlooked stories into the light, inviting awareness and deeper public engagement with what is often ignored.
FUTURE VOICE Award
Recognizing bold new talent
Presented to a first or second feature that demonstrates outstanding creative vision and the potential to bring positive change to both cinema and society.
ALTER Award
Championing the catalysts for change
Presented to a film that addresses critical issues and can inspire action, motivating audiences to take tangible steps toward transformation.
NATIVA Award
Illuminating identity
Presented to a film that explores identity, portraying a place or community with depth and care, and giving global recognition to local voices.
FOCUS Award
Revealing a region’s challenges and hopes
Presented to a film that offers insight into the complexities of the current Alternativa Focus Region, depicting the realities shaping its future with clarity and urgency.
SHORTS Award
Discovering the storytellers of tomorrow
Presented to two short films from the current Alternativa Focus Region to support filmmakers who boldly forge their own paths with a strong vision for impact.
Previous editions
Alternativa Distrubution
A new non-profit distribution label dedicated to bringing impactful cinema from the Global South to audiences worldwide. We help outstanding films overcome structural barriers and get the international circulation they deserve.
