Anchorage International Film Festival

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Anchorage International Film Festival

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! AIFF submissions close September 1. Bring your film to Alaska for 10 unforgettable days of cinema, community + adventure.
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Built by filmmakers, for filmmakers. ❄️ Submit Now: https://anchoragefilmfestival.org/ The 22nd Annual Anchorage International Film Festival will take place December 2 - December 11, 2021

08/16/2026

Some of the most memorable conversations we've had at AIFF started after a documentary ended.

People stayed in the theater. They talked. They asked questions. They saw the world a little differently than they did two hours earlier.

That's what great documentaries do.

If you've made a documentary you're proud of, we'd love to watch it.

Extended Deadline: September 1, 2026

Submit here:
https://filmfreeway.com/AnchorageInternationalFilmFestival

See you in Alaska. ❄️

08/15/2026

What a night and what a way to kick off AIFF’s Next Chapter. 🎬❄️

We brought together people who have been part of the Anchorage International Film Festival since its earliest days, leaders in business and economic development, supporters of the arts, and some of Alaska’s incredibly talented next generation of filmmakers — all in one room to talk about where AIFF goes from here.

We heard from Nora Morse, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Mayor’s Office, about how much the city believes in AIFF and wants to support its future.

Former U.S. Senator Mark Begich shared his support and Wildbirch’s commitment to a festival that continues to grow, bring people to Anchorage, and become a bigger part of the life of our city.

New board member Philip Blanchett spoke about the honor and excitement of continuing to build our Native Voices Showcase.

Anchorage businesswoman and restaurateur Laile Fairbairn shared how hearing about the festival from her husband first pulled her in — and how, a year into joining the board, she’s already helping bring new ideas and energy to AIFF, including last year’s free outdoor community screening. Films Worth Freezing For — literally.

AIFF alumni filmmaker Michael Beeson shared his Palmer-shot short film and talked about something we’re especially proud of: the things filmmakers say to one another about their experiences in Anchorage, and the reputation AIFF is building far beyond Alaska.

And Festival Directors Pat McGee and Adam Linkenhelt shared a bold vision for the next five years growing AIFF into an even more integral part of downtown Anchorage’s revitalization, Alaska’s arts community, and the cultural life of our city.

The best part was looking around the room: longtime festivalgoers, filmmakers, artists, business leaders, civic leaders, and people discovering AIFF for the first time.

AIFF’s next chapter is about thinking bigger for our filmmakers, for our audiences, for downtown Anchorage, and for what a film festival in Alaska can be.

Thank you to our sponsors and everyone who came out, spoke, listened, shared ideas, and believes in where we’re headed.

08/12/2026

I am embarrassed that I did not know about the Anchorage Internatio...

08/10/2026

Some stories remind us of the extraordinary resilience of both people and nature. Director Carrie Lederer brought her powerful documentary Wild Horses at the Door to the Anchorage International Film Festival, sharing the remarkable true story of John Wayne Smith. After years of homelessness and addiction, John found healing, purpose, and an unexpected connection with a herd of wild mustangs living on a remote Colorado mesa. The film is a moving exploration of resilience, recovery, conservation, and the profound relationship between humans and the natural world.

After attending AIFF, Carrie shared these wonderful thoughts about her experience:

"Freezing was totally worth it at the Anchorage International Film Festival! The international vibe, great filmmakers, Native voices, and the warmth of locals, who clearly love the festival and the movie going experience, made it unforgettable. Huge thanks to Kelly Moneymaker, Wesley, Patrick, Alex, and all the volunteers, and for the awe inspiring glacier excursion that almost let us catch the Northern Lights. I'm deeply honored to receive a Best Director recognition for my short documentary, Wild Horses at the Door. Submit your film, you'll have an ARCTIC blast!"

Carrie is a filmmaker, producer, and cinematographer whose work has taken her around the world creating documentaries, television, and nonprofit films that explore the connection between people and the natural world. Wild Horses at the Door marks her directorial debut in the short documentary category and beautifully reflects her passion for conservation, compassion, and human centered storytelling.

We were proud to recognize Carrie's exceptional work with the 2025 AIFF Director of Documentary Short award. Congratulations on this well deserved honor, Carrie, and thank you for sharing your remarkable film with the AIFF community.

We hope to welcome you back to Alaska again soon!

08/09/2026

The Anchorage International Film Festival is looking for bold stories, unforgettable characters, and filmmakers ready to connect with audiences from around the globe.

From packed theaters and thoughtful Q&As to filmmaker excursions you won't find anywhere else, AIFF is built by filmmakers, for filmmakers.

✨ Extended Deadline: September 1, 2026

Submit your film today:
https://filmfreeway.com/AnchorageInternationalFilmFestival

We can't wait to see what you've created.

Films Worth Freezing For. ❄️🎥

08/08/2026

One of the things that makes AIFF so special is the opportunity to welcome Alaska filmmakers home and celebrate the incredible work they're creating around the world.

Originally from Juneau, Alaska, director Hannah Wolf brought her short film Double Date to the Anchorage International Film Festival.

Double Date follows a newly out middle aged le***an who panics before a third date and impulsively hires a s*x worker to help her prepare. It's a clever, heartfelt comedy that explores vulnerability, self discovery, and the courage it takes to embrace a new chapter in life.

After the festival, Hannah shared these kind words about her AIFF experience:

"This is such a fun and unique festival, run with a ton of heart. The organizers were fantastic at communication and creating community events. It was an honor to have our short included in the lineup."

Thank you, Hannah. Hearing that AIFF fostered a sense of community and made filmmakers feel welcomed means the world to us.

Hannah is an accomplished theatre and film director based in Los Angeles whose work has been developed and presented at organizations including the Geffen Playhouse, The Vineyard Theatre, Perseverance Theatre, the Ojai Playwrights Conference, and many more. Throughout her career, she has championed new voices and original stories with humor, heart, and authenticity.

We were honored to share Double Date with our audiences and are grateful that Hannah was part of this year's festival.

Thank you for bringing your work to AIFF, Hannah. We hope to welcome you back to Alaska again soon.

08/07/2026

Extended Deadline is September 1st

Festival takes place Dec 4th- 13th

Don’t miss out on what filmmakers call

“one of the most beautiful absolutely unique experiences”,

“the festival of your dreams”,

and “an adventure of a lifetime!”

08/06/2026

One of the greatest compliments we can receive is when filmmakers choose to return to AIFF. Writer and director Estevan Padilla, an Eagle River, Alaska native, returned to the Anchorage International Film Festival for a second time, this year with his screenplay, Pangea Ultima.

After the festival, Estevan shared this wonderful review:

"This was my second time attending the fest, and this year was for the Screenwriting contest. Once again, it was an amazing time with great curation and a very filmmaker forward approach. Pat and Adam did a great job making sure we're taken care of, as did the festival staff.

The pitch was also fun and well moderated by Adam. They did a good job picking very different films that made for an interesting conversation.

I highly recommend submitting!"

Thank you, Estevan, for your kind words and for being part of the AIFF community.

Pangea Ultima tells the story of a brother and sister determined to heal their fractured family by taking extraordinary measures to reunite their estranged parents. Inspired by Estevan's own life, the screenplay explores intergenerational trauma, identity, healing, and the hope that reconciliation is possible, even after profound pain.

Before turning his focus to narrative storytelling, Estevan built a career working on productions for Marvel, Warner Bros., HBO, and Skydance, before producing documentaries around the world. Today, through LvL Films, he continues telling deeply personal stories that challenge, inspire, and connect audiences.

Thank you again, Estevan, for sharing your work with AIFF. We can't wait to see where your filmmaking journey takes you next.

08/04/2026

One of the greatest compliments we can receive is hearing that AIFF felt like home. Director Tess Sullivan, whose short film Extended Warranty screened at the Anchorage International Film Festival, shared these wonderful thoughts about her experience:

"You cannot ask for a better festival. The kindest and most caring filmmakers and film lovers lead this one of a kind festival that not only cares about its international and out of town creatives, but also the Alaskan filmmakers. The result is a truly outstanding roundup of cinematic treasures from near and far, with such a beautiful amount of support from the local community. It was humbling and beyond lovely and fun and delicious (Bear Tooth Pizza!) and incredibly special to be a part of the fest. Thank you, AIFF!!"

Thank you, Tess. Comments like these remind us why we love bringing filmmakers together each year.

Tess and co director Sara Carpenter founded Burn the Witch Productions in 2024 after years of building careers throughout the film industry. Extended Warranty was their first film, created through determination, community support, and a shared passion for telling stories that are a little peculiar, a little magical, and entirely their own.

The film follows Ledy, whose forever friend suddenly malfunctions without an extended warranty. Forced to navigate the maze of customer service, she discovers that sometimes the most important connections are the human ones. Blending humor, friendship, and thoughtful commentary on artificial intelligence and planned obsolescence, Extended Warranty is both imaginative and heartfelt.

Tess and Sara, thank you for sharing your creativity with AIFF and for making the journey to Alaska. We hope to welcome you back to the festival again soon.

Thank you for being part of the AIFF family. 💙

07/29/2026

WORLD PREMIERES.

We love ‘em.

Here’s why you’ll love a world premiere at AIFF...

Explore glaciers.

Stay up way too late hunting for the Northern Lights.

Start your mornings with free breakfasts and Coffee Talks.

Spend your days in packed screenings, filmmaker panels, and Q&As.

End the night swapping stories (and songs) at filmmaker karaoke.

What do the filmmakers in these photos have in common? They all chose AIFF for their world premieres last year.

The World Outside — Feature Narrative
Directors Katrine Eichberger and Nikolas Mühe traveled all the way from Germany to celebrate the world premiere of their debut feature. Inspired by Katrine’s own personal experience - and starring Katrine herself—the film earned AIFF’s Outstanding Director Award.

Ashes of the Mountain — Feature Documentary
Director Joseph Lindley and his team literally climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to create this powerful documentary about legacy, friendship, and perseverance. Its world premiere at AIFF was recognized with a Certificate of Recognition from the Alaska Explorers Club. Recognition from the Alaska Explorers Club, a fitting tribute to a team of true adventurers.

Christmas IRL — Short Film
Director Rochan Liu took the leap after years of helping bring other people’s stories to the screen, creating this timely short about finding genuine connection in an increasingly online world. She got to experience its world premiere in front of a packed house at the Bear Tooth Theatre.

Three very different films.

Three unforgettable world premieres.

Could yours be next?

Submissions are open now.

Address

Anchorage, AK
99501–99524, 99529-99530, 99599

Website

http://www.anchoragefilmfestival.org/, https://filmfreeway.com/AnchorageInternationalFilmFestival, https://www.instagram

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