The curators of SHORT RIGA Test Screenings select 10 to 14 promising short filmsthat are split into two screenings held over two days. The films are evaluated by a commission of five experts that changes yearly so as to guarantee in-depth evaluations from different perspectives. The panel will have familiarised themselves with the projects in advance, but final feedback and evaluations will follow only after seeing the films on the big screen.

The participants have access to on-site pitching training before the presentations.

Before each film, the filmmakers will explain what stage their film is currently at and what the main issues and questions that they wish to clarify are. The experts will make comments and take questions after each film. Further communication on the projects takes place at one to one meetings.

For additional information, please contact programme representative Lauma Kaudzīte – lauma@rigaiff.lv.

Award

One Test Screenings project will be awarded a prize of post-production services worth 3000 euro, thanks to our partners BBPosthouse.

BBPostHouse is a post-production house based in Riga, Latvia. BBPostHouse provides film and digital video media services that include online editing, color grading, digital cinema encoding, sound design, VFX, mastering, film scanning and data archiving.They work with all elements of post-production in commercials, short, feature films, documentaries, tv-series or music videos and all media including cinema, television, radio and internet are provided.Their team is made up of experienced professionals and talents who value high quality, effective service and excellent results.

Eligibility & Requirements

• The programme is open to directors either residing in, or born in the Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – and each year’s guest country.
• The guest country for 2022 is Ukraine. The curators of SHORT RIGA Test Screenings will select up to 2 projects from Ukraine and will cover the filmmakers’ travel, and accommodation costs.
• Various techniques and film genres are accepted.
• Rough cut – up to 40 min; finished films – up to 30 min.
• Submitted films must have English subtitles added.
• There is no submission, or participation fee.
• In case a film is selected, filmmakers must confirm their availability for the whole event in Riga, on site. Estonian Film Institute will cover Estonian participants’ travel and accommodation costs in Riga.

Upon submission you will be asked to use your Eventival Account. It will enable you to see all your applications in one place and to exchange all necessary information with RIGA IFF staff. In case of any queries regarding your account, please contact the RIGA IFF Admissions Service – admissions@rigaiff.lv.

Deadline

Deadline for applications is 21 August, 2022, 23:59 (local time in Latvia, GMT+2).  SHORT RIGA Test Screenings are planned to take place on 20 – 22 October, 2022 on site in Riga, depending on the development of the Covid-19 pandemic.