AFF 2026 Jury Announced

Natalia Reyes, Colombian actress, producer, and activist, will serve as Features Jury President.

She is joined by:

• Juan Sarmiento G., one of Colombia’s most internationally recognized cinematographers and producers, with recent credits on Oscar-, BAFTA-, and Goya-nominated films such as The Voice of Hind Rajab and A Poet;
• Astrid Rondero, Mexican director and producer, known for Sundance-awarded films including Identifying Features and Sujo;
• Amanda Nell Eu, Malaysian filmmaker whose debut feature Tiger Stripes won the top prize at Cannes Critics’ Week;
• Cyril Aris, Lebanese director whose latest film A Sad and Beautiful World premiered at the Venice International Film Festival.

The Shorts Jury brings together equally strong expertise across production, distribution, and criticism. It includes:

• Consuelo Castillo, a Colombian strategist focused on the promotion and international circulation of Latin American cinema;
• Fernando Epstein, Uruguayan producer and editor whose filmography spans over 60 titles, including Whisky and Monos;
• Jessica Kiang, German critic and programmer, contributor to The New York Times, Variety, and MUBI, and a member of the Berlinale Selection Committee.

Together, they will evaluate a selection of films that reflect Alternativa’s core belief: that cinema can challenge perspectives, amplify underrepresented voices, and spark meaningful social change — and ultimately decide the recipients of seven Alternativa Film Awards.