Riga International Film Festival (RIGA IFF, 17–27 October) 11th edition places a special emphasis on children’s and family films – over two weekends, in-person screenings and online, the festival will screen a sumptuous film selection from Europe and the world – KIDS’ REEL, suited for ages 2 to 14. KIDS’ REEL will present three feature films, including – for the first time in the festival programme – an anime genre film for the whole family, the world premiere of the beloved short animated series The Magic Wardrobe, as well as relaxed screenings of animation shorts. Tickets to KIDS’ REEL screenings, as well as special family tickets, are available on the festival’s website (rigaiff.lv), and at Biļešu Serviss sales points. 

As usual, KIDS’ REEL programme section comprises the latest European and world films for children, families, and those always young at heart. The carefully selected works are a special, captivating, and very popular cultural experience for the whole family – they not only entertain, but also by respecting and understanding the audiences, can help one to get to know oneself, widen horizons, and discover the opportunities offered by the cinema screen.

On the first Saturday of the festival, 19 October, two children’s and family film premieres will be celebrated at cinema Splendid Palace. Marking the world premiere of the entire musically educational short animated series The Magic Wardrobe, the five films, from director Krista Burāne and the creative team, will invite the youngest members of the audience on a song-filled journey, based on the popular song series by Aigars Voitišķis, with lyrics by Pēteris Brūveris, Māra Zālīte, and Ieva Samauska. From 19 October, 11:00, until the festival close, the short animated series The Magic Wardrobe will also be available through the festival’s online platform, online.rigaiff.lv.

The Latvian premiere will be celebrated by the Netherlands and Latvia co-production – the humour-filled family film The Book of Everything, suited for children from ages 7 and up. Mirroring the themes of Michael Ende’s Neverending Story, the screen adaptation of the popular Dutch novel The Book of Everything (2004) conjures a fascinating child’s fantasy flight. The film was made with the participation of the film studio White Picture and artist Laura Dišlere, and the musical score is composed by Kārlis Auzāns.

The selection also includes the spirited and wise family comedy about adventures, choices, and justice – the endearing tale of robbers, The Pinchers’ High Voltage Heist, for ages 7 and up. The impactful, vivid, and respectful adaptation of the gem of children’s literature – Ronja, The Robber’s Daughter, in a thrilling tradition of outlaw movies expertly combines both childish joy and the Nordic humour and irony bound to appeal to parents.

For the first time, the festival programme will include an anime film – visually astounding, eccentric, and heartfelt animation Ghost Cat Anzu, for audiences of ages 7 and up, and fans of the genre. The Latvian-dubbed film, a story about friendship that has the power to change our future, draws parallels with such 21-st century animation classics as Spirited Away (2001) by Japanese master Hayao Miyazaki and other legendary Studio Ghibli films. From 20 October, 15:00, until the festival close , this Japanese and French film fusion will also be available to screen online throughout Latvia.

As in previous years, RIGA IFF programme will also feature relaxed film screenings for children; with muted sound and lighting, these will screen animation shorts without dialogue. Just under an hour long, the selection will include exquisite, atmospherically multifaceted, and unusual animation films without dialogue, hailing from the most acclaimed animation studios. The relaxed screenings will take place over two weekends – 20 October at 11:00 at cinema Splendid Palace, Large Hall, and 27 October 11:00 at Forum Cinemas, 5th Auditorium, and are devised as both a great option for the first trip to the cinema for the youngest, and as an adventure for children with functional or other difficulties.

Tickets to KIDS’ REEL in-person screenings at cinemas Splendid Palace and Forum Cinemas, as well as online at online.rigaiff.lv, are available on the festival’s website (rigaiff.lv), and at Biļešu Serviss sales points. To make the festival visit even more enjoyable, specially priced family tickets (admit 4) to KIDS’ REEL screenings are also on offer.

From 17 to 27 October, RIGA IFF will delight the senses of filmgoers with more than 100 screenings of bold and fresh filmmaker visions, selected from the world’s most prestigious film festival programmes, as well as from the kindred Baltic Sea region cinema. This festival edition, the festival motto, Witnessing the World of Another, focuses on the art of cinema as a medium facilitating understanding and empathy – RIGA IFF team invites to discover new points of view and to witness the worlds coming alive on the silver screen. Follow festival updates on rigaiff.lv and festival social media accounts, as well as by subscribing to RIGA IFF newsletter.

RIGA IFF’s main partner is the media and technology company Tet. The festival is made possible with the support of the State Culture Capital Foundation, EU programme “Creative Europe – MEDIA”, Riga City Council, and the National Film Centre of Latvia.