The Anchorage International Film Festival (AIFF) is the largest film festival in Alaska, founded in 2001 to bring independent and international films to Anchorage and showcase high-quality independent films made in Alaska. Our mission is to develop, promote, and sustain a film festival that supports new media and independent filmmaking in Alaska and around the world, enriching cultural and entertainment opportunities for Alaskans.
AIFF is a cosmopolitan festival that reflects the diverse character of Anchorage by screening captivating and well-crafted independent films from across the globe. It also provides a platform for independent Alaska filmmakers to showcase their work and network with fellow filmmakers. Several films awarded at AIFF have gone on to win Academy Awards and honors at prestigious festivals such as Hot Docs, Tribeca, Sundance, SXSW, Sheffield Doc Fest, and Seattle International Film Festival.
Our programming features a wide array of independent films, as colorful as the Northern Lights, in categories such as Narrative and Documentary Features, Dramatic, Comedy, Documentary, and Animated Shorts, as well as films Made in Alaska. We also offer beloved youth and family programming and a Feature Screenplay competition.
New this year are two exciting awards: the Explorer’s Achievement Award, celebrating filmmakers who push the human spirit to new heights through their work, and the Real-World Impact Award, honoring documentaries that drive change and challenge global issues.
Anchorage, home to about 40% of Alaska's population, is a modern city known for its striking natural beauty, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. It’s a short drive from glaciers, ski resorts, and unparalleled hiking and biking trails. Anchorage has a vibrant arts community, two universities, and the world-class Anchorage Museum. The city's cultural diversity is reflected in the 99 languages spoken by students in the Anchorage School District as of 2014.
We encourage filmmakers to attend the festival and experience the breathtaking beauty of an Alaskan winter. AIFF draws filmmakers from all over the world for ten days of watching films, exploring the winter wonderland, and forging lifelong connections. Visiting filmmakers are consistently impressed by the enthusiasm, sophistication, and passion of the AIFF audience, and the festival is known for the warmth and care shown by its staff. We are the warmest festival in a cold climate!
Our main venue is the 400-seat Bear Tooth Theatre, a brew-pub where moviegoers can enjoy drinks and delicious food while watching films. Additional excellent venues, including the Anchorage Museum, host films and events throughout the festival.
We invite you to submit your films and join us this December, where the dramatic beauty of winter meets the discovery of “Films Worth Freezing For.”
New this year are two exciting awards: the Explorer’s Achievement Award, celebrating filmmakers who push the human spirit to new heights through their work, and the Real-World Impact Award, honoring documentaries that drive change and challenge global issues.
The AIFF award categories are:
Narrative Feature
Documentary Feature
Animation Feature
Explorer’s Achievement Award
Real-World Impact Award
Made in Alaska Narrative Feature
Made in Alaska Documentary Feature
Narrative Short
Documentary Short
Comedy Short
Animation Short
Made in Alaska Narrative Short
Made in Alaska Documentary Short
Screenplay (Feature and Short)
Some award categories may be combined based on the total number of films accepted in each category.