Every year the RIGA IFF ZIP-MEETING focuses on a different field within the industry to provide the time and space for an intensive yet informal networking session. This year ZIP-MEETING takes form of an unprecedented trilateral film school meeting from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Delegates from the seven most prominent players of audiovisual studies in the Baltics (including animation studies) are meeting to gain apprehension of the audiovisual studies available in the Baltics, compare the study programs and approaches, share problems, solutions and ambitions and create a platform for further collaboration.

Participating Schools

Baltic Film, Media, Art and Communication School of Tallinn University (BFM)

BFM (founded in 2005) focuses on professional hands-on training designed for international careers. The curricula offered in English: Audiovisual Media (BA), Crossmedia in Film and Television (BA), Communications Management (MA), Documentary Film (MA), Joint Master’s Degree in Film Arts (Kino Eyes), Joint Master’s Degree in Cinematography (Viewfinder), Audiovisual Arts and Media Studies (PhD). BFM is a member of CILECT.

Estonian Academy of Arts

The Department of Animation was established at the Estonian Academy of Arts in 2006. Since 2007 it offers a 2-year international MA programme in animation (taught in English). The programme is taught by Professor Priit Pärn and Associate Professor Olga Pärn. The school puts emphasis on the film scripts. Student films from the school have won numerous awards in international festivals.

National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture

Latvian Academy of Culture has been providing studies of audiovisual art since 1993. Currently the National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture offers studies in film directing, producing, cinematography, editing and sound design, screenwriting and film theory both on BA and MA levels.

"RISEBA" University of Business, Arts and Technology

RISEBA is "the place where business meets arts" (arts program founded in 2008). It offers undergraduate studies in Audiovisual Media Arts and postgraduate studies in New Media and Audiovisual Art. BA is offered in TV and film producing, TV directing, cinematography and screenwriting. MA program is taught in English.

Art Academy of Latvia

The department "Motion. Image. Sound” (founded 2015) is a part of the Faculty of Audio-Visual Media Art of the Art Academy of Latvia. Students learn to write screenplays, create storyboards and animatics, study composition, editing, animation techniques and animation history. MA study level will be introduced in 2019.

Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (LMTA)

LMTA's Film and TV Department which is generally called the National Film School was founded in 1993. A cluster of study programmes such as directing, cinematography, screenwriting, sound directing, film management, film theory and acting are offered at the same time and the same study cycle. LMTA is a member of CILECT.

Vilnius Academy of Arts

The Animation programme (since 2002) in the Photography and Media Arts Department of Vilnius Academy of Arts is oriented towards art culture, when changes for animated film language are sought by considering innovative technologies and contemporary art tendencies. Animation artists have the options of creating in traditional areas, as well as experimenting in interdisciplinary space.

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