INDRIVE OPENS ALTERNATIVA FILM PROJECT TO FILIPINO FILMMAKERS

inDrive, a global technology, mobility and urban services platform intensifies its commitment to the Filipino community by officially opening the Alternativa Film Project to Filipino filmmakers. Alternativa Film Project by inDrive is a global non-profit film initiative that aims to recognize the social impact of films from developing industries. Significantly, this edition will expand its focus to the Southeast Asian markets, including the Philippines, offering a new platform for Filipino filmmakers to showcase their impactful work.

Following a successful inaugural edition in Kazakhstan in 2023, the upcoming event will broaden its reach to include Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian region. This year’s expanded program will also introduce a new Festival showcase, featuring public screenings of all shortlisted films from the nominees. Submission of entries is ongoing and filmmakers from the Philippines and all Asian countries are invited to submit feature films, documentaries, animation and hybrid films for competition. For the short film category, entries will be accepted exclusively from Southeast Asia.

An international jury, including film directors and producers from Asia and other regions, as well as community leaders and NGO representatives, will select the winners. The awards aim to highlight professionals who have the vision to create an impact, enhancing their visibility and providing them a path to reach a wider audience. This will also provide a significant opportunity for Filipino filmmakers to gain more international recognition and support.

inDrive will award a total of $100,000 worth of prizes, with $20,000 each awarded in the four full-length categories, and $10,000 each for the two winners in the Shorts Awards category.

Liza Surganova, Head of Alternativa Film Project by inDrive, says “The Alternativa Film Awards serve as a tool to support the development of local film industries – by celebrating filmmakers from underrepresented communities who have important stories to tell and that have the potential to impact the cultural and social landscape. Cinema is a powerful way to create change and the ambition of Alternativa by inDrive is not only to challenge injustices in the film industry but to bring about real progress in the world.”

The Alternativa Film Labs hosted three training programs for filmmakers across various ages and skill levels, attended by 37 filmmakers, 12 young people and seven tutors from Europe and the USA. From this, five winners were awarded places on Pop Up residency in Europe from Tatino Films or participated in the EFM Toolbox program alongside gifted travel grants for the EFM.

The Alternativa Film Project awarding ceremony will happen in Indonesia in November 2024. Interested participants can visit this website for the full submission criteria. inDrive recently resumed its operations in the Philippines and has since opened its doors for more growth opportunities for the Filipino market.