Impact Distribution Lab Winning Projects Announced

Our Impact Distribution Lab, launched in November 2025, has officially wrapped with a final presentation showcasing impact campaigns developed for films from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan — powerful stories addressing a wide range of topics, from family issues to environmental challenges. From the initial pool of projects, eight teams advanced to the final stage.

Each team paired filmmakers — directors and producers — with activists who stepped into the role of impact producers. With guidance from the Lab’s tutors, they built campaigns designed to extend the films’ reach beyond the screen and drive measurable social change. The resulting strategies outline practical steps, partnerships, and advocacy efforts aimed at creating real-world solutions.

Following the final presentation, the Alternativa Labs team announced four winning projects.

● Beautiful — director Fariza Tanai; impact producers Rauana Sagadieva and David Tuganov. A documentary about a Kazakh mother raising her daughter with a disability, paired with a campaign combating stigma and advocating for inclusive policies and stronger family support.

● The Dogs — director and producer Aliman Toktogulova; impact producers Aidai Aidarova and Maria Dyagileva. A documentary from Kyrgyzstan about an animal rescuer who shelters stray dogs, supported by a campaign promoting humane legislation and responsible pet ownership.

● Cherry Street — director Kanykei Orozoeva; impact producer Alina Ziganshina. A short fiction film from Kyrgyzstan about a schoolgirl confronting abuse by her teacher, backed by a campaign that raises awareness and strengthens child protection practices in schools.

● A Fake Dream — producer and impact producer Madina Yesmanova. A drama from Kazakhstan following two brothers, one of whom struggles with precarious courier work, accompanied by a campaign advocating for labor rights and safer working conditions for young delivery workers.

The teams behind Beautiful, The Dogs, and Cherry Street received cash awards to cover expert consultations for further campaign development, while the producer of A Fake Dream was granted accreditation to the Berlin International Film Festival 2026.

Several Lab projects have already secured external support. In December 2025, the Kyrgyz Creative Industries Support Fund backed the impact campaign for The Dogs. We believe the impact campaigns developed through the Lab will continue to grow through partnerships and community engagement, amplifying important stories across Central Asia and contributing to lasting positive change.