The Anchorage International Film Festival (AIFF) is thrilled to unveil the official program for its 24th edition, set to take place from December 6th to December 15th across venues in Anchorage, Alaska. This year’s festival is a landmark event, marking the first program curated by newly appointed Festival Directors, Pat McGee and Adam Linkenhelt. Both filmmakers, McGee and Linkenhelt, have committed to elevating the quality of films showcased at the festival and enhancing the experience for visiting filmmakers and the local film community. The 10-day festival will spotlight more than 100 films spanning all genres, with a particular emphasis on independent films that have enjoyed successful festival runs and are vying for one final screening push before the Oscars shortlist is announced. “Our festival represents the last opportunity for some of these remarkable independent films to be discovered before the shortlist is released,” said McGee. “We’re raising the bar this year, and as we see the caliber of films elevate, we could very well be calling the Anchorage International Film Festival ‘The Icy Road to the Oscars.”
For information on the full program, special events, and ticket sales for AIFF24 screenings are now available online at anchoragefilmfestival.org.
Opening Night & Key Screenings
AIFF’s Opening Night screening will be Bob Trevino Likes It, The film won Best Narrative and Audience Award at this year’s SXSW film festival. Director Tracie Laymon will be in attendance.
Festival Highlights
Festival highlights include The Way We Speak, starring Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul), with both Fabian and director Ian Ebright in attendance. Porcelain War, Sundance Feature Documentary Grand Jury Prize Winner, will also be featured, with directors Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev in attendance. Set amid the backdrop of Ukraine, Porcelain War follows artists who remain behind during wartime, defying the destruction around them with resilience and beauty. Other notable films include the Belgian comedy Life’s a Bitch by director Xavier Seron, who will be in attendance, and Queen of the Ring, the inspirational true story of Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar female athlete in history, directed by Ash Avildsen and starring Josh Lucas and Emily Bett Rickards.
Spotlight on Narrative Features
This year’s lineup also features an exciting mix of narrative films from both seasoned and first-time filmmakers. First-time feature directors T.J. Sandella (Battersea) and Adam Boyer (Uphill), who grew up and filmed his debut feature just outside of Anchorage, will showcase their work at the festival. On the other end of the spectrum, AIFF welcomes prolific independent filmmaker Ryan Balas, whose latest narrative Midwinter marks his 25th independent feature in the past decade.
Special Events and Festival Experience
In addition to the remarkable film lineup, AIFF promises unforgettable Alaskan experiences for visiting filmmakers, including Northern Lights excursions, glacier hikes, and for the bold, a polar bear plunge – all in the spirit of AIFF’s signature theme: Films Worth Freezing For.
About the Festival Director – Pat McGee is an acclaimed documentary director and producer known for his work on both film and television, with a focus on character-driven stories that seek to find common ground in polarizing subjects. His storytelling has been praised as “gripping,” “humanistic,” and “illuminating” by critics from the LA Times to Variety. Now, as the newly appointed Festival Director of the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival (AIFF), Pat, alongside longtime collaborator and fellow filmmaker Adam Linkenhelt, is building on AIFF’s long-standing tradition of showcasing “Films Worth Freezing For.” Together, they are crafting a new narrative, positioning the festival as the “Icy Road to the Oscars,” and curating a dynamic program of over 100 films that highlight bold, independent voices and thought-provoking stories from around the world.patmcgeepictures.com
About the Festival Director – Adam Linkenhelt is an innovative filmmaker who has spent the past decade immersed in the independent film world, focusing on documentary storytelling and shorts that explore the raw, emotional depths of real life. As a director, editor, and producer, his work has been praised as “gripping” and “humanistic” by LA Times and Variety, with films and series airing on HULU, VICE, A&E, DISCOVERY, and PEACOCK. Adam’s shorts have toured the festival circuit, resonating with audiences worldwide for their authenticity and emotional impact. Now, as Festival Director of the Anchorage International Film Festival, Adam is committed to elevating bold, independent voices and fostering collaboration within the vibrant creative community of Alaska.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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