Anchorage International Film Festival

Last updated
Anchorage International Film Festival
AIFF Logo.jpg
Location Anchorage, U.S
Founded2001;23 years ago (2001)
AwardsAudience & Jury
No. of filmsCa 100
Website http://anchoragefilmfestival.org

The Anchorage International Film Festival(AIFF) is the largest film festival in Alaska. [1] It is held annually in Anchorage. [2] [3] [4] Its slogan is "Films Worth Freezing For."

Contents

AIFF has twice been named on lists in MovieMaker Magazine: in 2022 AIFF was named one of the "20 Best Film Festivals for New Filmmakers", and in 2023 Moviemaker Magazine named the AIFF one of the "25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World" [5] , both times while Ida Theresa Myklebost and John Gamache were directors of the festival.

Founded in 2001, [6] the festival takes place annually in December. Around 100 films are shown in several diverse categories. As of June 2024, the festival is co-directed by Pat McGee and Adam Linkenhelt. [7]

Under the new 2024 leadership, two new categories have been added: Real-World Impact and The Explorer’s Achievement Award.

The Real-World Impact Award category will feature documentaries and scripted films that strive to change the world through powerful storytelling and impactful narratives, highlighting pressing social issues and inspiring action. Emphasizing works from young and emerging filmmakers, this category aims to showcase and support independent storytelling that engages with significant causes such as LGBTQ+, climate justice, racial equity, and mental healthcare.

The Explorer’s Achievement Award category will celebrate the incredible achievements of explorers and adventurers who push the boundaries of the human spirit. This category will be curated by Explorer’s Club filmmaker Gregory Taylor, showcasing films documenting physical journeys and exploring the emotional and philosophical dimensions of adventure. These films will inspire audiences and honor the courage and curiosity that drive human exploration.

The main venue for AIFF is the Bear Tooth Theatre, which hosts the opening night celebration and several other films and events throughout the festival. AIFF also screens films at several venues around Anchorage, including the Anchorage Museum. [8] [9]

History

The Anchorage International Film Festival was founded in 2001 by Tony Sheppard.

Since its inception, the festival has grown to become the largest multi-genre film festival in Alaska. [6]

For the 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions of AIFF, the festival director was Rebecca Pottebaum.

In 2018 the festival was directed by Jessica Kaiser.

The five editions of AIFF from 2019-2023 were directed by Ida Theresa Myklebost and John Gamache.

In November 30, 2018, Anchorage was hit with a 7.0 earthquake on Opening Night. The Bear Tooth was heavily damaged. AIFF quickly found a new venue and opened one day late. [10]

Awards

Venues for the festival are spread throughout Anchorage Fourth Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska, looking east from I Street.jpg
Venues for the festival are spread throughout Anchorage

The awards are in the following main categories:

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "Anchorage International Film Festival | Visit Anchorage". www.anchorage.net. Retrieved 2017-08-21.
  2. ↑ "Past Festivals". Anchorage International Film Festival · DECEMBER 6-15, 2019. 2016-04-01. Retrieved 2017-08-21.[ permanent dead link ]
  3. ↑ Guerrasio, Jason. "An IW Investigation: The Dark Underbelly of the Film Festival Circuit, Part 1 | IndieWire". www.indiewire.com. Archived from the original on 2017-08-16. Retrieved 2017-08-21.
  4. ↑ "Indie movie, on tour from Anchorage film festival, gets a showing at The Blue Loon". Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Retrieved 2017-08-21.
  5. ↑ "The 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World, 2023". 17 July 2023.
  6. 1 2 "About AIFF". Anchorage International Film Festival · DECEMBER 6-15, 2019. 2016-04-01. Archived from the original on 2019-02-25. Retrieved 2017-08-21.
  7. ↑ "Anchorage International Film Festival Introduces New Leadership Team and 2 New Categories (Exclusive)". moviemaker.com. 2024-07-11. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  8. ↑ "Anchorage International Film Festival". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 2017-08-21.
  9. ↑ "Anchorage film festival: Cold Alaska nights at warm movie theaters (+VIDEO)". Alaska Dispatch News. Retrieved 2017-08-21.
  10. ↑ Thompson, Robin (2019-12-04). "100 films in 10 days". The Anchorage Press. Retrieved 2022-05-31.


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