The 3rd edition of the Alternativa Film Festival will take place in Colombia in Q2 2026 with an expanded prize pool of $120,000 and the introduction of a new award category focused on a feature film from the designated focus region. Submissions are now open from June 10 to October 10, 2025, for feature-length films from Asia and Latin America, while short films are limited to Latin American entries. Alternativa, a festival supporting emerging filmmakers from the Global South, made this announcement at the 40th Guadalajara International Film Festival.
Initially launched in Kazakhstan in 2023 and expanded to Indonesia in 2024, Alternativa continues its mission to elevate impactful filmmaking by transitioning into a full-scale film festival from its former identity as just an awards event. The 2026 edition will include free public screenings, impact discussions, and a robust professional program titled Industry Days to foster dialogue and collaboration among global filmmakers and social impact leaders.
Despite the geographic shift to Latin America, Alternativa remains committed to filmmakers across the Global South, including Asia. In 2024, the festival received over 1,000 submissions from 33 countries, with 14 Asian nations represented among the finalists. Travel and accommodation for selected directors will be covered, with the exact dates and host city to be announced soon. More information, rules, and eligibility details are available at alternativa.film.
