Festival L’Alternativa – A Pioneering Look at Indie Filmmaking
The 31st Barcelona Independent Film Festival, L’Alternativa, kicked off on November 14 and will run for ten days.
Held at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), L’Alternativa, Festival de Cinema Independent de Barcelona, highlights the innovative power of independent cinema. As a platform for youth, we’re proud to have our team on the ground, documenting the event and connecting with creators. Their work goes beyond coverage—it’s an essential step in their development as future leaders in the cultural and creative industries.
Our team is particularly focused on L’Alternativa PRO, the section of the festival that connects young people and professionals from the sector with the audiovisual industry. L'Alternativa PRO was created 15 years ago with the goal of helping to build a healthier, more collaborative, and inclusive film industry, while providing the necessary tools to young creators and professionals in the independent film scene.
"Filmmaking and Social Action", a roundtable which analyzes the case study of Chantyorinti’s Deaths, a film about the silent transmission of the worldview of a culture on the brink of death and its cultural decline. Photo: Gisela Serra Chico (TMN).
The PRO section program is brimming with inspiring sessions for indie, self-made filmmakers and professionals in the industry looking for an innovative and socially aware storytelling perspective. There are activities dedicated to exploring nuanced perspectives, such as "Filmmaking and Social Action", analyzing the case study of Chantyorinti’s Deaths as an example of how NGOs can be vital allies in the creative filmmaking process, providing a valuable perspective on complex realities.
A highlighted section of the festival is the masterclasses, where independent filmmakers and producers share their personal experiences with the audience, offering the opportunity to learn and be inspired by their work. One of the talks to highlight is by Lola Arias, an Argentine writer and director of theater and film, who will give a masterclass exploring the intersection between personal narrative and sociopolitical commentary, providing valuable lessons on how to weave together reality and fiction.
For those intrigued by the challenges of independent filmmaking, the session “Sin un duro, pero con futuro” ("No Money, But with a Future") is dedicated to low-budget filmmaking, diving into the essentials of crafting cinema with minimal financial resources, exemplified by the case Cleo vendrá esta noche by Aitana Ahrens and Miguel Guindos. Additional highlights include “Cine para todes” "Cinema for Everyone”, which reimagines accessibility as a cornerstone of the creative process, and “Coproducing Nationally, Internationally or with Mates,” a roundtable providing essential strategies for co-production agreements.
Aitana Ahrens and Miguel Guindos during the session “Sin un duro, pero con futuro” ("No Money, But with a Future"), a conversation dedicated to low-budget filmmaking, exemplified by the case “Cleo vendrá esta noche”. Photo by Gisela Serra Chico (TMN).
Independent Cinema Through Screenings with Creative and Critical Perspectives
L'Alternativa offers a dynamic selection of screenings that celebrate the diversity and creativity of independent cinema. The festival's Official competition is divided into three categories: Spanish Films, International Feature Films, and International Short Films, showcasing groundbreaking works from established and emerging voices. Among the most anticipated films this year is the opening film Dahomey by Mati Diop, which explores the return of stolen royal treasures to Benin, delving into the scars of colonialism and the complexities of cultural restitution. This poignant narrative sets the tone for the festival's commitment to stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
“Who Cares” by Alexe Poukine, a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by medical staff within a strained healthcare system, blending the personal and political with striking intimacy.
Additionally, L'Alternativa Parallel delves into lesser-known cinematic gems, paying tribute to pioneers, premiering fresh releases, and offering family-friendly programming. In its Satellites section, where acclaimed Spanish filmmakers share insights into their creative universes, renowned independent filmmaker Isaki Lacuesta returns after opening L’Alternativa’s 25th edition with Entre dos aguas. This year, he presents a curated program of short films and a masterclass, revealing the artistic influences that shape his work.
Another highlight in the Official International Feature Films section is Who Cares by Alexe Poukine, a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by medical staff within a strained healthcare system, blending the personal and political with striking intimacy.
For the full program and details, visit the official festival website.
At its heart, L’Alternativa is a crucible where ideas are shaped, careers are launched, and connections are made. For the young journalists of TMN, it means an extraordinary opportunity to hone their craft, tell the festival’s stories, and immerse themselves in the vibrant world of independent cinema.
Breaking Rules: TMN reporters Gisela Serra Chico and Amaia Garcia Carra, two of the TMN young reporters covering the indie film festival in Barcelona.
