RIGA IFF FORUM (22–25 October), the industry platform of the Riga International Film Festival (RIGA IFF), opens submissions for the 2026 editions of RIGA IFF SHOWCASE and SHORT RIGA Test Screenings. Until 14 August, feature film and series projects at various stages of development, as well as short films in post-production from the Baltic countries and this year’s guest country, Finland, are invited to apply. More information and applications: forum.rigaiff.lv.

As Baltic and Central European cinema continues to gain international recognition, RIGA IFF FORUM offers a unique opportunity to discover emerging authors before they break onto the global stage. Focusing on new talent and projects from low audiovisual capacity countries, the programme fosters collaboration, strengthens professional skills, and helps increase the visibility and circulation of European audiovisual works.

A market and co-production platform for feature films and series

Each year, RIGA IFF SHOWCASE brings together up to 10 feature film and series projects from the Baltic, Eastern and Central European region with strong potential to attract international partners and financing. Curated by Kristīne Simsone, the selection highlights projects that reflect the region’s distinctive creative voices as well as current industry developments and emerging artistic expressions.

The selected projects are presented to a carefully curated audience of industry professionals, including producers, sales agents, distributors and other industry stakeholders. Alongside public presentations, participants benefit from scheduled one-to-one meetings and targeted networking opportunities enabling precise matchmaking between filmmakers and decision-makers and creating space for meaningful exchanges and quality connections.

Thanks to the support of RIGA IFF FORUM partners, participants in the fifth edition of RIGA IFF SHOWCASE will compete for a EUR 5,000 cash award provided by TV3, as well as production and post-production services worth EUR 10,000 from BBposthouse/BBrental.

Extensive support during the final stages of short film production

For the regionally unique short film development programme SHORT RIGA Test Screenings, curator Lenka Tyrpáková will select 10–15 short films in post-production from the Baltic countries and Finland. Presented in dedicated test screenings, the films will be shown in full to a curated audience and international industry professionals.

SHORT RIGA Test Screenings combines the presentation of works-in-progress with expert feedback, as well as consultations on pitching, editing and distribution; participants also gain direct access to festival programmers, sales agents, distributors and other industry professionals. The programme plays an important role in supporting the development of European short films, helping filmmakers refine their films, shape festival strategies and prepare for international circulation.

Further strengthening the programme’s role as a launchpad for international exposure, one selected project will receive a fully tailored distribution consultation from Lights On, the Italy-based international sales and distribution company. Meanwhile another project will receive Studio BEEP Foley Award – a complete foley recording by sound post-production Studio BEEP based in Prague.

A programme tailored for industry professionals

Beyond its two flagship events, RIGA IFF FORUM offers focused meetings with festival representatives, insights into the Baltic animation scene, closed location tours, and other curated networking opportunities designed to build lasting professional connections across the region and beyond. For updates and further information, visit forum.rigaiff.lv and follow RIGA IFF and RIGA IFF FORUM on social media.

RIGA IFF is made possible with the support of the State Culture Capital Foundation, the EU programme “Creative Europe – MEDIA”, Riga City Council, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia / Mission Latvia, and the National Film Centre of Latvia. RIGA IFF FORUM is also supported by the French Republic, the French Institute in Poland, TV3, the Finnish Film Foundation, BBposthouse/BBrental, Studio BEEP and Lights On.