ALT EFF catalyses climate action towards co-creating a more sustainable, just future for all living things by bringing the potent medium of cinema to diverse demographics across India and the world.

Through participatory discussions, workshops, live performances, and of course, eye-opening cinema, ALT EFF is a home for resilience in these difficult times. We see ourselves as a place to change mindsets and spark hope, to strengthen communities and spotlight solutions.

Rooted in India, ALT EFF is a destination for universal stories that transcend borders and focus on what unites humanity: our relationship with nature.

With film clubs, screenings and workshops through the year, ALT EFF presents opportunities for year-round collaborations in addition to the flagship annual festival.

Most excitingly, ALT EFF's annual festival takes a decentralised and hybrid approach, screening across the breadth of India for ten days every year; we have a growing international presence too. Alongside the live events, a virtual festival creates a space for the online community to access the cinematic gems we programme.

In 2024, ALT EFF spread across 20 states in India, to Ireland, Costa Rica, Chile, USA; hosting over 100 screening events.

And in 2025, ALT EFF featured 86 films from 39 countries, hosting 40+ screenings across India and internationally. Excitingly, ALT EFF hosted flagship weekenders during the festival period in addition to a democratised watch party model.

Films in the ALT EFF program range from investigative and scientific sagas, to deeply personal narratives that come together through masterful visuals exhibiting the beauty of life on our planet; they inspire critical thought, spotlight justice and intersectionality, and leave audiences feeling inspired to dream big about our collective futures.

In 2026, the festival will redouble its efforts towards a decentralised, hybrid and grassroots model, further securing itself as one of the largest environmental film festivals in the world.

And all of this, most crucially, to build an appreciation for the arts & for the natural world.

Come gather in action with us, in 2026!

Awards & Prizes

Best of Festival Award (Feature): Rs 50,000 (USD 557)
Best of Festival Award (Short): Rs 50,000 (USD 557)

Bhoomi Award for Best Indian Short: Rs. 20,000 (USD 233)
Bhoomi Award for Best Indian Feature: Rs 30,000 (USD 351)

5Hills Award for Best International Short: Rs. 20,000 (USD 233)
5Hills Award for Best International Feature: Rs 30,000 (USD 351)

Red Earth Award for the Best Animated film: Rs. 20,000 (USD 233)
Red Earth Award for the Best film submitted by Students or First time film-maker: Rs. 20,000 (USD 233)

Award for the Best in Environmental Journalism: Rs. 20,000 (USD 233)

The above awards are the minimum prize pool currently available; however, additional prize categories may be introduced or the above prizes increased at the sole discretion of ALT EFF. All submitters will be notified of the same.

Rules & Terms

THE KIND OF FILMS WE WILL CONSIDER

ALT EFF will consider all genres of environmental and sustainability themed films including documentary, non-fiction, fiction and animation, amongst others.

Shorts - Under 30 mins including credits
Feature - Over 30 mins and under 120 mins including credits

Please note: Animated films over 30 mins will be considered under the Features category

IMMERSIVES
* This new category may include projects that go beyond filmmaking and include audio works, physical installations, technological experiments, VR/AR components etc. The projects may include a film as a part of the work if the final format extends beyond a 2D video format. ALT EFF welcomes projects that display a strong, cultivated artistic practice and are experiential or impact-based.

LANGUAGE
English is the official language of ALT EFF; all non-english language films must have English subtitles (where there is dialogue). Final files are required to have hard-coded subtitles.

DATE AFTER WHICH THE FILM HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND WORK IN PROGRESS FILMS
1 January 2024 or later.
We accept both completed films, and works in progress*

*Work in progress films have to be entered via FilmFreeway prior to the deadline; please provide a note in the submission and provide a link to the password protected online screener as soon as possible. We will need to see a rough cut of whatever you have ready prior to the submission deadline. If the film is accepted, we will need a final version by 15 June 2026.

FORMATS
Film submissions must be provided via an online screener, with a link and password (if required). If selected, films will need to be supplied in .mp4 or .mov for screening purposes. A DCP format will be requested if needed.

FILM MARKETING AND ATTENDANCE
If your film is accepted to be part of ALT EFF, you will help market the screening of your film through all of your available channels (email, social media, website, etc.).
The Festival strongly encourages finalist film directors and associated staff (actors/athletes, screenwriters, producers, etc.) to attend the festival. A portion of the programming will be provided to you for audience discussion and interaction. On the Submission Form, please indicate whether the director, producer, other members of the creative team, or actors are available to attend the Festival, if the film is selected. We are also open to online attendance of panels or other festival-related events. All finalists are responsible for their own travel expenses.

RIGHTS AND PROMO USE
By entering a film for consideration to ALT EFF, the submitter understands that they own or control the film's copyright and are duly authorised to submit the film to the ALT EFF. By submitting films to ALT EFF, candidates thereby grant ALT EFF to obtain full access permission to the film.

ALT EFF reserves the right to copy and use any publicity materials (photographs, film stills, trailers, and film segments up to 3 minutes) for non-commercial promotional purposes and for archival material, at no additional cost.

ALT EFF and its partners are not responsible for any claims connected with the film.

24 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ananya Rane

    ALT EFF is such a unique festival. It gives environmental films an important platform and supports environmental filmmakers from across the world.
    From the very beginning, the festival team was prompt and always available for any of our queries.
    They have built such a safe and beautiful environment around the festival, it really does feel like we belong..
    Kudos to the entire team...

    January 2026
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  • Nitya Navelkar

    ALT EFF is one of the most meaningful and relevant film festivals, run by a truly committed and passionate team. My film Kharvan was part of the festival in 2025 and was screened at multiple locations across India, which I’m very grateful for. The care and effort the team puts into the festival really shows. If you have a film about the environment, climate change, or wildlife, this is a lovely space to share it. ALT EFF helps these stories travel far.

    January 2026
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  • Fred Rahal

    Even from afar, we were treated with great attention and genuine care, which unfortunately is not always common in festival contexts. The communication was thoughtful and welcoming, and it truly made a difference for us as filmmakers.

    Through the messages, exchanges, and promotional materials, it was easy to feel how passionate the people behind ALT EFF are about what they do. That passion translates into a festival driven by connection, care, and purpose, and it brings real joy to be part of such an environment.

    Festivals like this are worth engaging with because they are moved by love and a sense of collective strength, rather than ego or competition. Now I suppose I’ll have to make another good film, so I can hopefully attend in person sometime in the future.

    December 2025
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  • Mayuresh Hendre

    Great place to showcase your wildlife and environmental films. It was an amazing experience at ALTEFF 2024. My documentary was screened in multiple locations across India. The team communicated really well.

    December 2024
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  • virendra valsangkar

    It was wonderful experience at the ALT EFF festival. The audience was lovely in Pune. The Q n A happened after the screening and audience actively participated in the discussion . The communication was quite good. This festival takes place at various venues. Our documentary was screened at 5 places which is quite appreciable.

    December 2024
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