Born from the desire to create a distinct, sophisticated hybrid festival experience (both online and in-person) among an ocean of ordinary alternatives, the MAGMA film festival has quickly garnered attention. With a globally distributed team of dedicated and passionate individuals, the festival has made a mark with its commitment to showcasing the unique narratives of independent cinema. In line with its tagline, the primary criterion for MAGMA’s awards is the film’s impact. The jury looks for films that can cause a stir, that can wake up audiences and cause them to reflect on, and perhaps even challenge, their perspectives. This focus on impact is multi-dimensional, encompassing both the immediate emotional response a film may evoke and the potential long-term effects on its audience’s worldview. Thus, The festival values films that possess the power to erupt a metaphorical volcano of reactions and thoughts, aiming to awaken a generation to new concepts and ideas. The principal criterion is that the films make a significant impact, whether through pure entertainment or by conveying profound societal messages. The MAGMA Film Festival has carved out a unique niche within the film industry by focusing on independent filmmakers who often struggle to gain visibility in larger festivals like Cannes, Toronto, or Sundance.