ABOUT THE LAB
Our Impact Distribution Lab brings together film producers and changemakers to design and implement strategies that connect socially-driven films with the audiences who need them most. Together, they will explore new environments and formats for screening and distribution and develop innovative approaches to presenting and discussing stories. The goal is to build meaningful connections with communities directly affected by the issues depicted on screen — and to find ways to contribute to real-world solutions. This is about more than visibility; it’s about creating lasting, tangible impact. If you believe in the power of cinema, care deeply about human stories, and are committed to social justice — this lab is for you.
TIMELINE
Start of the open call
Application deadline
Announcement of participants
Online course
Practical module
Final project presentation
Online
November 2025 – January 2026
Film producers and changemakers from Central Asia
Film is a powerful tool to spark conversations on crucial social issues — from ecology to human rights, from inclusion to freedom of speech. Cinema can take viewers on a journey through unexplored worlds, territories, cultures, and realities. It is an art form that awakens emotion — even those we often try to avoid — compelling us to think, to feel, and most importantly, to act. Yet socially significant films often struggle to reach their audiences, even though these are the very works that can shape reality, influence decision-makers, and help change the world for the better. Today, the world needs engaged individuals — those ready to stand up for justice, uphold humanistic values, consider future generations, and explore new ways to connect communities and regions. It is for them that we are creating the Impact Distribution Lab.
Who Can Participate
Our Impact Distribution Lab welcomes not only film producers but also changemakers from beyond the film industry — including activists, NGO and charity workers, social entrepreneurs and business professionals involved in community-focused work. Participants will collaborate in mixed teams, bringing together diverse perspectives and skill sets. We believe that this variety of backgrounds and experiences will open doors to unconventional ideas, creative strategies, and bold, cross-sector solutions.
The theoretical online course on impact distribution, which makes up the first part of the lab, is open to everyone interested in the use of cinema as a tool for social transformation — no application is necessary. The detailed program and joining instructions will be published closer to the start of the lab.
TUTORS
Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala (Philippines)
Kara is an award-winning broadcast journalist, documentary filmmaker and impact producer. She is the founding president of the Filipino Documentary Society and serves on the jury for the News and Documentary category of the Emmy Awards.
Gita Saedi Kiely (USA)
Gita leads FilmAid, a nonprofit that uses film and media to support vulnerable communities. With decades of experience in documentary filmmaking, programming, and fundraising, she also serves on the Advisory Board of Alternativa.
IMPACT GUIDE
Whether you're just beginning to explore how film can create impact or you're already on board and want to get ready for the lab, the Russian edition of the Impact Field Guide, translated and published by Alternativa, is a great place to start.
The Impact Field Guide is a comprehensive toolkit of best practices and strategies, developed by the UK non-profit Doc Society to help individuals and organizations maximize their positive impact through film. This open-access resource has been created with input from dozens of experts and includes strategies, practical tools, step-by-step instructions, and case studies for planning, implementing, and evaluating the social impact of films. The guide is currently used by over 60,000 filmmakers and changemakers worldwide.
Download your free copy of the Impact Guide in Russian.
CONTACT
If you have any questions about the lab, feel free to reach us at info@alternativa.film.
Producers and changemakers from Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
We welcome applications from producers with films completed in 2023–2025 or projects in the final stages of production.
By changemakers, we mean activists, educators, members of NGOs and charitable organizations, social entrepreneurs, and business professionals engaged in various forms of community-focused work who are interested in amplifying the impact of their work through film.
Please refer to Rules & Regulations for more info.
If you only want to join the theoretical online course on impact distribution (the first part of the lab), you can do so without an application, as it is open to everyone interested.In today’s world, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for engagement. It is not only an essential tool for filmmakers, but also a valuable asset for activist movements, NGOs, and businesses alike.
If you're an activist, educator, or professional working in charities or NGOs, impact cinema can help you raise awareness, spark dialogue, and build deeper connections with communities.
If you run a business, the lab offers an innovative way to strengthen your brand as a socially responsible leader. You'll explore how film can become part of your marketing and communication strategy, connect with creative teams working at the intersection of culture and innovation, and discover storytelling approaches that reach new audiences and resonate in meaningful ways.
The lab will be conducted in English, with no translation services provided, as our panel of tutors and experts is international.
Team building
The lab begins by forming teams—each with at least one film producer and one changemaker—to collaboratively develop impact strategies for selected films.
Online course
The next step is a series of online lectures led by world-class experts, covering the fundamentals of impact distribution. The module includes masterclasses, case study discussions, and practical insights.
Self-directed work on strategies
After the online course, participants will develop their own impact distribution strategies, supported by consultations with lab experts and mentors. Admission to the Practical Module will be based on the quality and potential of the strategies created during this phase.Practical Module
In this phase selected participant teams will continue to refine their strategies through intensive brainstorming sessions with mentors.Final Presentation
Teams will present their impact distribution strategies during a final public pitch session.At least three of the most promising projects will receive support and expert guidance for the implementation of their impact campaigns.
All participants who complete the lab will develop detailed impact distribution strategies tailored to their films or projects. They will gain practical tools, industry knowledge, and access to expert consultations, as well as build meaningful connections with a network of social leaders and changemakers.
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.
