Welcome to Alta Film Fest

Alta Fest is Big Bear Lake’s celebration of independent film and mountain culture.

Our mission is simple: to bring the inspiring, discovery-driven energy of premier independent cinema to the heart of Southern California’s high country. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Alta Fest was built to bridge the gap between visionary independent creators and passionate audiences looking for an escape from the ordinary.

Our programming philosophy is rooted in excellence and originality. 

We scout globally and locally to assemble a thought-provoking program that challenges the status quo and celebrates the craft of filmmaking. But Alta Fest is more than a sequence of film screenings.

Hosted at the Grand Ballroom at Destination Big Bear and The Village Theater, our festival serves as a cultural crossroads featuring live entertainment, industry-led panels, and exclusive community events. 

We are proud to partner with local organizations like Visit Big Bear and the Big Bear Film Society to welcome travelers from all over to experience the magic of autumn in the mountains. Whether you are a filmmaker debuting your passion project or a festival-goer seeking inspiration, you are part of the story here at the summit of indie cinema.

  AltaFest leadership includes festival director Jake Cole, founder of Green Jack Productions, an independent entertainment company known for hosting events and film productions in Big Bear. Robert Schwartzman, known for his work in film directing and producing, as well as a co-founder of distribution company Utopia, will advise AltaFest as creative director.