ALTER-NATIVE Short Film Festival Returns to Marosvásárhely for 33rd Edition

The 33rd edition of the ALTER-NATIVE International Short Film Festival will take place in Marosvásárhely (Târgu Mureș) from November 5 to 9, 2025, continuing its legacy as one of the most significant independent short film events in the region. The festival is currently open for submissions, with the deadline set for August 31, 2025.

Filmmakers are invited to submit short films made after January 1, 2023, with a maximum running time of 30 minutes. The festival imposes no restrictions on genre or theme, and notably, there is no entry fee. However, films that are entirely available online or were previously submitted to ALTER-NATIVE are not eligible.

Since its inception in 1993 under the title “Sors és Képzelet”, the festival has evolved from a Hungarian film showcase into a diverse international competition, emphasizing professional exchange and discovery of new voices. The ALTER-NATIVE festival not only screens short films in competition but also features feature films, documentaries, thematic selections, and a range of side events including exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and filmmaking workshops.

For many Hungarian and regional filmmakers, ALTER-NATIVE offers an opportunity to reach wider audiences and industry professionals. The event has become an essential platform for emerging talents, while also revisiting acclaimed Hungarian features from recent years. In 2024, the feature film program included Hatalom by Mátyás Prikler, Brigádnapló by András Szőke, and Lefkovicsék gyászolnak among others. Directors Ádám Breier and Katalin Moldovai also served on the short film jury.