Almaty Indie Film Festival

Our festival provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their low-budget, innovative works, encouraging creativity and diversity in filmmaking. Each year, AIFF brings together both emerging and established filmmakers from Kazakhstan and around the world, offering them an opportunity to present their films to an international audience, make connections, and gain recognition for their work.

Mission & Vision
AIFF’s mission is to highlight exceptional global independent cinema, with an emphasis on films created on modest budgets. We believe that storytelling can transcend financial constraints and that powerful narratives can be told with limited resources. By focusing on originality and bold ideas, we aim to create a space where filmmakers from all corners of the world can share their stories and be recognized for their artistic achievements.

Main Competitions

KZ Dramatic Competition
A showcase for the best of Kazakhstan’s fictional filmmaking, celebrating local talent, cultural narratives, and the evolution of national cinema.

KZ Documentary Competition
Dedicated to non-fiction works that capture the essence of Kazakhstan’s history, diverse culture, and complex contemporary society.

World Cinema Dramatic Competition
An international selection of feature-length dramatic films that push the boundaries of storytelling and global filmmaking.

World Cinema Documentary Competition
Powerful documentaries from around the globe that tackle urgent social, political, and cultural issues through a unique cinematic lens.

Shorts: New Horizons (International & KZ)
A curated collection of short-form cinema demonstrating originality and creativity from both emerging and established filmmakers worldwide.

Specialized Categories

Best KZ Web-Series
Highlighting the booming episodic format in Kazakhstan, this category recognizes high-quality storytelling designed for digital platforms.

Best Animated Film (International & KZ)
Celebrating the art of animation, from traditional techniques to cutting-edge CGI, across both short and feature formats.

Best Genre Film (Kazakhstan)
Recognizing mastery in specific genres such as action, thriller, comedy, or horror, showcasing the versatility of Kazakhstani filmmakers.

Music Video Showcase (International & KZ)
A platform for the intersection of music and visual art, celebrating innovation in the music video industry.

Individual Excellence (KZ Cinema)

Best Director
Awarded for outstanding vision, leadership, and artistic direction in a Kazakhstani production.

Best Cinematography
Recognizing excellence in visual storytelling, lighting, and composition that defines the film’s aesthetic.

Best Screenplay
Awarded to the most original and well-structured script, focusing on character depth and narrative innovation.

Best Performance (Actor/Actress)
Honoring exceptional acting talent and compelling character development in Kazakhstani feature films.

Special Awards

Audience Choice Award
The most democratic prize of the festival, awarded to the film that captures the hearts and minds of our viewers.

Grand Prix: Best of the Fest
The highest honor of the festival, awarded to a film that demonstrates exceptional artistic merit across all categories.