The Alternativa Film Project, an innovative non-profit initiative spearheaded by inDrive, is set to host the highly anticipated Alternativa Film Awards in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on November 29, 2023. This initiative seeks to create a platform that not only showcases cinematic talent but also emphasizes the importance of films that engage with pressing social and cultural issues. Following the success of the inaugural event held in Almaty, Kazakhstan last year, the upcoming ceremony is once again poised to champion meaningful narratives that aspire to impact local communities positively.
This year, the Alternativa Film Awards has seen a remarkable increase in submissions, receiving a staggering 670 entries—doubling last year’s figures. From this extensive pool, the jury has meticulously shortlisted 25 films, inclusive of 13 feature-length works and 12 short films, hailing from 14 diverse Asian countries and encompassing a rich tapestry of 20 languages. Notably, nearly half of the selected films are directed by women, reflecting the initiative’s commitment to diversity and representation. Furthermore, the feature-length category showcases nine debut films, indicating a thriving landscape for emerging filmmakers.
A distinguished jury, comprising prominent filmmakers and artists, will adjudicate the entries this year. Among them are Indian director Anand Gandhi, Indonesian filmmaker Kamila Andini, and German author Steffi Niederzoll, alongside talented individuals such as Asmara Abigail from Indonesia and Kazakhstani filmmaker Katerina Suvorova. The jury’s collective experience will undoubtedly enrich the evaluation process, providing valuable insights to the films that aspire to leave a mark both artistically and socially.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the festival will feature the Alternativa Film Festival running from November 22-28. This event is designed to engage audiences with public screenings and discussions, creating a space for dialogue around the shortlisted films. Furthermore, the festival will incorporate a three-day Industry Days program from November 27-29, focusing on networking opportunities among filmmakers, producers, and social impact advocates in Southeast Asia.
The awards will present a total prize pool of $100,000, distributing $20,000 to four winners in the feature-length categories and $10,000 each for the winners in the shorts category. This significant monetary acknowledgment reinforces the project’s dedication to funding projects that drive social change through film. As Liza Surganova, the head of the Alternativa Film Project, aptly stated, the initiative is about “celebrating bold, independent voices that strive to change the society around them.”
The Alternativa Film Awards 2023 is not merely a film festival; it is a celebration of stories that reflect the realities of life and culture across Asia. By shining a light on new narratives and fostering collaboration within the film industry, the project promises to catalyze positive change through the universal language of cinema. As participants gather in Yogyakarta, one can anticipate a vibrant exchange of ideas and a reaffirmation of the power of film to inspire progress.