The Anchorage International Film Festival (AIFF) was started in 2001 by Tony Sheppard. The AIFF continued to accept narrative program feature until after 10 years, it has grown quickly as the only multi-genre international film festival in Alaska. The participation of local and foreign filmmakers, volunteers, and other organizations boomed 100% every year. In 2008, the AIFF extended its celebration from four days to a full two-week film event. It remains in its most premier venue in Bear Tooth Theatre Pub.

The year of 2009 became the kick off for a more successful AIFF since its Australian movie entitled ?Birthday? joined the finalists in Cannes Independent Film Festival. The lead actor of the film, Natalie Eleftheriadis, won the Best Actor award then. Other films like Russia?s Hipsters, The Last Days of Shismaref, and Chronic Town were recognized by different film award bodies and film production organizations.

This multi-genre film festival experience is accompanied by offering of Anchorage?s best restaurants and cafe within the vicinity of 27th Avenue. The popular Snow City cafe offers a great deal of food native to Anchorage City. On the other hand, the Sacks Cafe and Restaurant prepares the food to be meticulously done in finest ingredients known to Alaskans.

The AIFF has also official partner hotel which is the Inlet Tower Hotel and Suites. Visitors and filmmakers from Alaska and other states are served with Filmmaker Hospitality Suite. The hotel is considered as the most premier location for filmmakers and tourists to have an easier access to major sites where AIFF events are being held. A hospitality bag and credential are given to visitors of AIFF. The shuttle service of the hotel is provided for filmmakers and participants. A 48-hour notice should be observed for the scheduling of the shuttle.