Sections

Competition

  • 15 feature films

  • 15 short films

  • 17 countries

  • 21 languages


Cinema is a form of magic—let’s not forget that! This magic has united two very different parts of the world—Asia and Latin America—in the Competition of the 3rd Alternativa Film Festival. Over the past year and a half, our team journeyed from Yogyakarta, home of the 2nd AFF, to Medellín, gathering cinematic gems along the way. We are arriving in Colombia with is a collection of 15 feature films, which will compete for the five Alternativa Awards, and 15 shorts, two of which will be awarded in their respective category.


These films were selected by a committee of film and social impact experts representing both Asia and Latin America, and this in itself was an immensely enriching and inspiring experience. We are grateful to all the filmmakers who submitted their works to our festival. As the festival continues to expand its geographical reach, it becomes increasingly exciting to see deeply local stories resonate on a global scale. We believe our Competition reflects this vividly—offering an artistic vision of a world where addressing issues such as women’s empowerment, displacement, the protection of minority communities, and the preservation of memory feels more urgent than ever.

Natalia Pylaeva
Program Director at Alternativa

SHORT FILMS

The short films in Competition are presented in three screening blocks — Family, Territory, and Identity — each with its own focus.
  • Short films for young viewers and the significant adults in their lives who wish to share a cinematic experience. These engaging and illuminating works open up space for dialogue on themes such as protecting one’s land and identity, overcoming racial prejudice, coping with the uncertainties of the contemporary world, and finding strength in solidarity, empathy, and even a good laugh.
  • This block of shorts creates a meeting point between the deeply personal and the grand political, challenging genre norms and viewer expectations. Infused with diverse and often intense experiences, these films reflect on notions of land and home, migration and belonging, taking us to new territories, both imaginary and “real”.
  • What is one’s identity, and what constructs and shapes it? These short films, demonstrating a variety of cinematic forms—from animation to live action—address these questions. They reflect on the concept of family (Casa Chica), touch on themes of violence, disappearance, and forgiveness with poetic subtlety (Ballad of Fishes and Birds), find quiet nostalgia and saudade amid Rio’s Carnival (Samba Infinito), explore the unique experiences of the female body (Once in a Body), and expand the dialogue on Black fatherhood (Not Dead).

Impact Hits

A new out-of-competition section showcasing recent highlights of impactful cinema from the Global South. These films have earned major international recognition, screening and winning awards at leading festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Berlinale, while also resonating with wide audiences and achieving strong box office success. Unique in their creative spirit and approach to genre, they set the highest standards for transformative cinema.

Official Selection

Explore the full film selection of Alternativa Film Festival 2026.