Anchorage International Film Festival


The Anchorage International Film Festival is the largest film festival in Alaska. It is held annually in Anchorage.
Founded in 2001, the festival takes place annually in December. More than 100 films are shown in several diverse categories. Jessica Star Kaiser joined AIFF as the Director of Programming in 2017, and stepped into the position of Festival Director in 2018. In 2019 AIFF welcomes Ida Theresa Myklebost as the new Director of Programming
The main venue for AIFF is the Bear Tooth Theatrepub which hosts the opening night celebration as well as several other films and events throughout the festival. AIFF also screens films at several amazing venues around Anchorage.
The 19th Anchorage International Film Festival is scheduled to be held from 6 December to 15 December 2019.

History

The Anchorage International Film Festival was founded in 2001 by Tony Sheppard.
Since its inception the festival has grown to become the largest and only multi-genre film festival in Alaska.
In 2018 AIFF got off to a shaky start when Anchorage was hit with a 7.0 earthquake on Opening Night, November 30, 2018. The Bear Tooth Theatre was heavily damaged. With the help of several volunteers, sponsors and filmgoers, AIFF was able to pull it together, find a new venue and open one day late. In spite of fallen freeways, constant after shocks and a shaken staff, AIFF persevered as the community came together in masses to make this event a giant success. Visiting filmmakers from around the world also endured the shaking ground, limited chaos and watched in awe as Anchorage showed their support.

Awards

The Golden Oosikar Awards are awarded for the main categories: