RIGA IFF, the boutique film industry meeting point of the Baltics, is set in the compact, culturally vibrant capital of Latvia – rich in UNESCO-listed heritage and contemporary city life. Its competitions, featuring two carefully assembled international juries, form both the epicentre of the public programme and a cornerstone of the industry forum held alongside.
Stories exploring the very texture of cinema
Led by French curator Léo Soesanto, the RIGA IFF Short Film International Competition – like its national counterpart – is a true celebration of short-form cinema. Year after year, it seeks out distinctive stories from across the globe, marked by bold auteur voices and a drive to explore the very essence of cinema. Showcasing the dynamic nature of the local short film scene and its distinctive forms of expression, RIGA IFF Short Film National Competition will feature a dedicated selection of Latvian-made works. RIGA IFF is also one of 31 film festivals whose jury nominates a single candidate for the European Film Academy award European Short Film – Prix Vimeo 2028.
Present-day reflections on tomorrow’s cinema
Meanwhile, the festival’s main event – the RIGA IFF Feature Film Competition – curated by artistic director Sonora Broka, invites filmmakers to share their reflections on the cinema of tomorrow. The competition is open to films from the Baltic Sea region, Nordic countries, or Ukraine. Covering distinctly different schools and traditions of cinema, these works reflect the global mood while offering a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of cinema in the region.
Free submission until 1 April
There are no genre or format restrictions for the competitions – RIGA IFF welcomes documentaries, live-action, animation, and hybrid works. In both the selection and jury processes, internationally recognized professionals will pay special attention to films that demonstrate a distinct artistic vision and, through the use of diverse creative tools, deliver a one-of-a-kind audiovisual experience.
For just one week – until 1 April – all competition applications can be submitted free of charge. The competition regulations can be found and applications submitted at enter.rigaiff.lv and filmfreeway.com/rigaiff. Competition selection results will be announced by 10 September, with the winners celebrated at a special awards ceremony on the festival’s second Saturday, 25 October.
From 15 to 25 October RIGA IFF will, for the 13th time, bring together audiences and film industry professionals for the largest celebration of cinema in Latvia. Festival updates can be found on rigaiff.lv, RIGA IFF social media channels, and through the festival newsletter. The festival is organized with support from the State Culture Capital Foundation, the Creative Europe MEDIA Programme, the Riga City Council and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia.
