La Fàbrica de Cinema Alternatiu was founded in September 1992 as a natural reaction against traditional film institutions. It was the initiative of directors, producers and other professionals from the audiovisual sector. La Fàbrica was constituted as a non profit-making association.

La Fàbrica's principal aim is to support and promote innovative film and audiovisual work by creating a necessary space for screening, learning, debate and reflection.

La Fàbrica de Cinema Alternatiu organizes different activities throughout the year: l'Alternativa Barcelona Independent Film Festival, the internet portal IFN and l'Alternativa Takes a Trip, itinerant film programmes made up of films screened at the Festival, and shown nationally and internationally.