The 40th edition of the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG) served as the venue for the Alternativa Film Festival’s debut in Latin America, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the ties between cinema and social change.
Alternativa Film Festival is a global nonprofit initiative that supports and promotes filmmakers from the Global South whose work has the potential to bring about positive change in the world. This traveling platform recognizes emerging cinematic talent, celebrating both the artistic merit and the social reality and change that the participating films seek to address, while helping to forge meaningful interregional connections.
Following its launch in Central Asia in 2023 and its expansion into Southeast Asia in 2024, Alternativa is now officially entering Latin America, making its first official appearance in the region at FICG40, before holding its 2026 edition in Colombia.
The new edition will focus on—but will not be limited to—free screenings of films selected for the competition. These will be accompanied by public activities designed to explore their impact in greater depth and foster a dialogue with the audience.
The festival will also feature the Industry Days professional program, which brings together filmmakers, producers, and social impact leaders, fostering thought-provoking conversations and new collaborations.
Directors whose films are selected for the competition will be invited to attend the festival, and the organizers will cover their travel and lodging expenses. In addition, Alternativa offers both cash and symbolic prizes.
The call for entries for the new edition will open on June 10; the deadline for submitting projects is August 1, 2025. To learn more about the festival and its program, visit the website at alternativa.film.