Lights, Camera, Planet: ALTEFF Is A Film Festival For The Environmentally-Enthusiatic

When Kunal Khanna decided to step away from economics and dive into the world of environmental storytelling, he wanted to create a space in India that could do more than just talk about the climate crisis—it could move people to act.

Thus, in 2020, amid the global pandemic, the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival was born, starting as a virtual event before expanding its reach.

Now, four years later, ALTEFF has grown into one of the most dynamic environmental film festivals in India, with screenings in over 110 locations in 2024. But this isn't your average film fest. ALTEFF has purposefully ditched a single flagship venue in favour of decentralisation—a strategy born out of its mission to be inclusive and accessible to audiences across the country.

"Film and storytelling are among the most powerful tools we have to change perceptions and inspire action," said Khanna, who champions the medium as uniquely equipped to break out of echo chambers. Sure, you can scroll through climate crisis statistics on Instagram or skim a paper on carbon emissions, but watching a film? That's a visceral experience.

ALTEFF curates films that align with its mission, covering key themes across a broad environmental perspective. These screenings range from smaller 10-person gatherings, to larger events hosting around 400 viewers. On its opening night, the festival drew a crowd of 700 people, marking its steady rise in popularity.

But ALTEFF isn't just about sitting in a darkened room with popcorn. The festival doubles as a community mobiliser. Whether it's workshops, school screenings (700 this year!), or its new film club, ALTEFF is starting conversations and building momentum around climate action.

"We had audiences everywhere," says Khanna, "and hosting in just one place would limit access." The team, thus, pivoted to their decentralised model—taking the festival to the people instead of making them come to it.

This year's impressive 110 screenings mark a milestone in its growing footprint.

Running a film festival isn't cheap, and ALTEFF depends largely on philanthropy, ticket sales, and the occasional corporate sponsor to keep the reels spinning. Uber, the Rohini Nilekani Foundation, Rainmatter Foundation, and others have lent their support, ensuring the festival stays true to its mission.

Additionally, ALTEFF is not just about screening films—it's about creating them too. The festival actively funds and co-produces climate-focused storytelling, hoping to amplify underrepresented voices and unearth compelling narratives.

This year, ALTEFF boasts an impressive jury lineup. Renowned actress and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza joined conservation journalist Swati Thiyagarajan, filmmaker CS Venkiteswaran and naturalist Yuvan Aves to evaluate the festival's offerings.

Khanna is clear about one thing: ALTEFF isn't a solution—it's a spark. "We're just a catalyst to get the conversation started," he said. And the strategy is working. Celebrities like Dia Mirza on the jury and Alia Bhatt, founder of festival-partner Eternal Sunshine Productions, brought visibility to the cause, while grassroots screenings introduced climate issues to new audiences. It's this blend that helps ALTEFF break out of its niche and into the mainstream.