One of the most prominent film events in the Baltics – the Riga International Film Festival (RIGA IFF, 16–26 October) – has opened the application process for the four competitions in its 12th season, as ever relentlessly highlighting distinctive and innovative cinema. Until 30 June, applications are open for feature films competing for the main prize of the festival, short films by Latvian authors, as well as music videos from across the Baltics. Meanwhile, submissions for international short films will close earlier, on 31 May. 

“Since the very beginning of the festival one of the focal points of RIGA IFF has been its competition programs, where the selected films accurately reflect the current state of mind of the world, using the widest range of storytelling and visual tools to create an audiovisual journey that is both timely and timeless. Thinking of the films that define the competitions at the festival, this year more than ever the mind turns to the words of Kurt Vonnegut: “The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable.””

This is how the Artistic Director of RIGA IFF and Head of Film Programme Sonora Broka introduces the competitions – the epicenter of the festival program that each year encourages exploring new perspectives in cinematic language – and the vision for the 12th edition of the festival.

Providing a keen insight into the different film traditions on both sides of the same sea, the RIGA IFF Feature Film Competition – where the main prize of the festival is bestowed – showcases current auteur work from the Baltic and Nordic countries, marking shifts in the cinematic landscape of the region. RIGA IFF Short Film Competition, curated by Paris-based Léo Soesanto, presents a vibrant celebration of short-form film on both a national and international scale; the jury, composed of internationally recognized professionals, will also select a film to compete for the prestigious European Film Academy award “European Short Film 2026 – Prix Vimeo”. Meanwhile, the RIGA IFF Baltic Music Video Competition, a unique event in the region, offers a glimpse into the raw and unrestrained synergy between moving image and music.

All RIGA IFF competitions accept applications regardless of form (documentary, animated, and fiction films, as well as hybrid productions) and genre. In the selection and jury process special attention will be dedicated to bold audiovisual experiences that showcase distinct artistic signatures and current events in the contemporary cinematic landscape.

For just one week – until 1 April – applications for all competitions can be submitted free of charge. The competition rules can be found and applications submitted at enter.rigaiff.lv and filmfreeway.com/rigaiff. RIGA IFF will announce the selection committees and juries, composed of industry professionals from Latvia and abroad, in the nearest future. Selection results will be unveiled no later than 10 September, and the prize winners will be announced at the award ceremony on the second Saturday of the festival – 25 October.

This year, RIGA IFF will gather audiences and film industry professionals for the 12th time at the biggest film celebration in Latvia, consistently demonstrating its significance and competitiveness as a key cultural event for Latvian audiences and its broader impact on the audiovisual arts landscape. Festival updates can be followed on rigaiff.lv, RIGA IFF social media channels, and by subscribing to the festival newsletter. The festival is organized with support from the State Culture Capital Foundation, the Creative Europe MEDIA, the Riga City Council, and the National Film Centre of Latvia.