Global Cinema and Social Discourse Exhibited at Almaty's Alternativa Film Festival
The 2025 Alternativa Film Days, a renowned film festival, will take place from August 14 to 21 at ARTiSHOK Theater and the Almaty Creative Hub in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This year's event promises to be a vibrant celebration of 27 films from Asia and Latin America.
The festival kicks off with the Indian film "White Crow," winner of the 2024 Alternativa Film Festival Grand Prix. Following the opening film, a panel discussion on protecting children from bullying will take place.
The agenda for the 2025 Alternativa Film Days is rich and diverse, featuring public discussions on various social topics such as women’s rights, child welfare, media freedom, and mental health. Notable speakers include TEDx speaker Roza Ashirbayeva, actress and social activist Ainur Ilyassova, podcast producer Ainel Amirkhan, journalist Zarina Akhmatova, lawyer Zhanna Urazbakhova, psychologist Madina Magauya, and environmentalist Dmitry Kalmykov.
A new format for this year's festival aims to move audiences from emotional response to concrete action. NGOs will offer opportunities for volunteering, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns throughout the event. Partner initiatives include media literacy training by Factcheck.kz, environmental advocacy by Karagandy’s EcoMuseum, and anti-bullying programs by the Just Support Foundation.
The festival will also explore cinema's role in social change through the regional Go Viral program. Public talks will delve into how films can drive change and inspire action.
Screenings will include award-winning works from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Mexico, and Colombia, the 2026 festival host country. Among the Kyrgyz Republic entries is Dalmira Tilepbergen's film "The Gift," while Aizhan Kassymbek's film "Madina" represents Kazakhstan.
All screenings and events at the 2025 Alternativa Film Days are free, but require prior registration. The festival aims to engage audiences not only through films but also through meaningful dialogue and social impact activities.
Join us at the ARTiSHOK Theater and the Almaty Creative Hub from August 14 to 21 for a week of inspiring films, insightful discussions, and opportunities to make a difference.
[1] Information sourced from the official Alternativa Film Days website.
During the 2025 Alternativa Film Days, attendees can anticipate a blend of fashion-and-beauty discussions alongside panel talks on women’s rights and child welfare. Moreover, food-and-drink experiences might be integrated into social impact activities, coinciding with the festival's aim to engage audiences beyond film screenings.
