***PLEASE READ TERMS CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING TO SUBMIT***

Spring Edition: March 29, 2020 - Live screening subject to local (Toronto) COVID gathering restrictions - if prohibited then we will have the online awards only.

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NEW RULES FOR QUARANTINE CATEGORY - SPRING 2021
-For the QUARANTINE CATEGORY of the SPRING 2021 EDITION we are only looking for ACTION - SUSPENSE - THRILLER FILMS!
-Must be made during quarantine / social distancing / self-isolation times (from March 1, 2020 onward)
-Length must be between 1 and 20 minutes
-FREE ENTRY

Please respect these rules and also your local social distancing rules as we strive to beat this pandemic together!

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See website https://www.altff.org for up-to-date info.

All genres accepted for the following categories:
Feature Films (45 minutes and over)
Long Short Films (20 to 45 minutes)
Short Films (5 to 20 minutes)
Super Short Films (1 to 5 minutes)
Ultra Short Films (15 to 60 seconds) - *This category is NOT eligible for the Best Film of the Festival Award. However, submissions remain eligible for IMDb Awards*

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All previous nominees and winners are posted at http://www.altff.org

al·ter·na·tive
ôlˈtərnədiv/
adjective

1. (of one or more things) available as another possibility.

The Alternative Film Festival is a quarterly event that is committed to bringing filmmakers of all levels - even beginners - a chance at taking home a festival award. We are an IMDb eligible festival meaning filmmakers will be able to post their nominations and wins on their IMDb profiles.

WE NOW SCREEN THE 10 BEST FILM FINALISTS FOR EACH QUARTER AT OUR QUARTERLY EVENT, BEGINNING WITH THE SPRING 2021 EDITION. All other Semi-Finalists (in many different categories) are in the running to win our IMDb-eligible awards.

******OUR PARTNER FESTIVALS******
Couch Film Festival (IMDb-eligible awards)
FilmFreeway.com/CouchFF

Minute Madness Toronto (60-seconds films only!)
FilmFreeway.com/MinuteMadnessTO

6ix Screams International Horror Film Festival (IMDb-eligible + horror films only!)
FilmFreeway.com/6ixScreams

300 Seconds Short Film Festival (IMDb-eligible and 5 minutes and under only!)
FilmFreeway.com/300SecSFF

Awards & Prizes

For our 2021 Editions:

10 Best Film of the Festival Finalists will be chosen per edition. EACH OF THE 10 IS GUARANTEED TO WIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING IMDb-eligible AWARDS and ALTFF WAIVERS:

-Best Film of the Festival + 2 free entry waivers to future AltFF Editions
-1st Runner Up for Best Film + 1 free entry waiver to future AltFF Editions
-2nd Runner Up for Best Film + 1 free entry waiver to future AltFF Editions
-Best Director of the Festival + 1 free entry waiver to future AltFF Editions
-Best Writer of the Festival + 1 free entry waiver to future AltFF Editions
-Best Actress of the Festival + 1 free entry waiver to future AltFF Editions
-Best Actor of the Festival + 1 free entry waiver to future AltFF Editions
-Best Cast of the Festival + 1 free entry waiver to future AltFF Editions
-Best Cinematography of the Festival + 1 free entry waiver to future AltFF Editions
-Best Editing of the Festival + 1 free entry waiver to future AltFF Editions

One of the 10 will also win AUDIENCE CHOICE (+ 1 free entry waiver to future AltFF Editions) as voted for by our event audience.

Examples of our IMDb-eligible awards for Semi-Finalists:

BEST DRAMA
BEST COMEDY
BEST ANIMATION
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
BEST DOCUMENTARY
BEST HORROR
BEST SCI-FI
BEST ACTOR
BEST ACTRESS
BEST CAST
BEST WRITER
BEST DIRECTOR
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
BEST MUSIC

BEST POSTER - photography contest

Printable PDF certificates as well as the winners' laurels will be emailed to award winners the day following our event.

Rules & Terms

We only screen the 10 Best Film of the Festival Finalists for each edition; all other films marked Semi-Finalists/Nominees are eligible for IMDb-approved award - for the year 2020 and possibly 2021 our live screenings are subject to proceed based on local (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) COVID-19 laws and restrictions. However, our awards list will always be posted on time - the event date for each edition.

AltFF accepts all genres in narrative, documentary, animation and experimental films.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
All films must be in English or have English subtitles.
No limit on number of submissions or production date.
All films must have an online screener.
Filmmakers retain the rights to their films.
Filmmakers are responsible for acquiring copyrights, licenses and releases for media used in their films.
Judges' decisions are final.

Submission categories are as follows:

Feature Films (45 minutes and over)
Long Short Films (20 to 45 minutes)
Short Films (5 to 20 minutes)
Super Short Films (1 to 5 minutes)
Ultra Short Films (15 to 59 seconds) - *This category is NOT eligible for the Best Film of the Festival Award. However, submissions remains eligible for IMDb Awards*
Posters
Quarantine Category - requirements change with each edition please check before submitting.
411 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gwendolyn Audrey Foster

    I am so psyched to win an award for experimental film, BISEXUAL MATERIALIST RAGTIME PARTY for Best Experimental NA Super Short Film at AltFF Alternative Film Festival.

    This is one of my all-time favorite festivals for avant-garde and experimental film. It's well curated and it's so appreciated by the underground film community. Jenell and the rest of the staff do an amazing job. Thanks for celebrating truly experimental work!

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Gwendolyn!

  • Lutz P. Kayser

    A wonderful experience, thank you very much! My short film Sad, but true was the december winner of Best cinematographie Ultra Short Award, what a great honour for me. Warm communication and a great overall impression. Thank you for everything!

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Lutz!

  • Edson Carvalho

    My film being a semi-finalist of this prestigious Festival is a source of great pride! Thank you very much and congratulations on the wonderful event!

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Edson!

  • Nauticats 2020

    On behalf of the entire NAUTICATS crew, we would like to thank AltFF for a wonderful festival experience!

    January 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Nauticats crew!

  • Dasha Khritankova

    Great festival! Amazing team and great communication! I'm so proud that two of my short films have been a part of this festival. Thank you for the award!

    January 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Dasha!