On April 30, more than 300 guests from around the world gathered in Medellín's Botanical Garden for the Alternativa Film Festival 2026 Awards Ceremony. Hosted by acclaimed Colombian actress María Cecilia Sánchez, the evening celebrated bold storytelling, meaningful impact, and the filmmakers shaping new cinematic narratives across the Global South. Among the guests were Arsen Tomsky, founder and CEO of inDrive, Natalia Reyes, President of the Features Jury, alongside filmmakers, jury members, industry professionals, partners, and the many people who had spent months bringing the festival to life. Behind the ceremony stood a team of more than 150 people, combining the talents and efforts of Alternativa's international team and Colombian producers, artists, and technicians.
Inside the AFF 2026 Awards Ceremony
Unlike a traditional seated gala, the evening unfolded as a journey through impact cinema, local culture, and meaningful connections across continents.
30 May 2026
30 May 2026
A lived experience
The ceremony took place at the Orquideorama — an iconic structure of hexagonal timber canopies set within one of Medellín's most beloved green landmarks. Far from a traditional seated gala, the event unfolded as a living journey inspired by the venue's distinctive honeycomb-like architecture. The concept reflected Alternativa's vision of cinema as an interconnected ecosystem of voices rather than a single cultural center. Throughout the evening, guests moved through the space as sound cues, projections, and performances gradually brought different zones to life. The experience began before guests even reached the main stage: along the pathway to the botanical garden, they encountered Voices of Medellín — a series of pre-recorded reflections from local filmmakers offering personal perspectives on cinema, the city, and storytelling.
Juan G. Sarmiento, cinematographer and member of the AFF 2026 Features Jury, with Ubeimar Ríos, actor (A Poet)
Unforgettable moments
Music became one of the ceremony's defining elements. An original score created by Medellín-based composer Víctor Acevedo guided the audience through the evening and was performed by local musicians, including a string quartet from Orquesta Sinfónica EAFIT. The atmosphere remained dynamic and relaxed throughout, with guests constantly moving, exploring, and interacting with the space. One of the night's most unforgettable moments? When Lost Land co-producer Elise Shick ran onto the stage barefoot to accept the award. She had kicked off her heels to dance earlier — and when the film was announced as a winner, there was simply no time to put them back on!
