RIGA IFF FORUM – the expanding industry programme of the Riga International Film Festival – opens submissions for its upcoming edition to be held in Riga, cinemas K.Suns and Splendid Palace from 23 to 25 October. Starting 17 June, projects will be accepted for RIGA IFF SHOWCASE, an efficient pitching market for feature films and series, as well as for SHORT RIGA Test Screenings, a regionally unique initiative offering in-depth professional feedback for short films.

Now in its fourth year, feature films and series market RIGA IFF SHOWCASE aims to highlight the distinctiveness of the Baltic and Central European region, while reflecting its socio-political context, current industry trends, and evolving artistic expressions. The curated line-up, consisting of up to 10 feature films and series projects in all stages of development and production, will compete for a monetary award of EUR 5,000 provided by media company TV3 and post-production services from BBposthouse / BBrental worth EUR 10,000.

The creative teams of feature films and series can pitch their projects to an audience of international professionals – including producers and sales agents – to seek further partnerships, while decision-makers can look for emerging cinematic voices. Through project pitches and one-to-one meetings, RIGA IFF SHOWCASE offers a platform for precise matchmaking between both sides, ensuring purposeful participation for all involved. Submissions for RIGA IFF SHOWCASE are open from 17 June to 1 August. Learn more at rigaiff.lv/showcase.

Meanwhile, SHORT RIGA Test Screenings is one-of-a-kind film industry event in the Baltic region, dedicated to in-depth evaluation of short films in their editing, post-production, or finalisation stages. Curated by Lenka Tyrpáková, this year’s line-up will feature 10-14 short films from the Baltic states and this year’s guest country, Croatia. Short film projects participating in the longest running and well-known part of RIGA IFF FORUM will be reviewed by international experts – a panel of renowned industry professionals with expertise in short films.

Offering pitching training, editing consultations, test screenings, and one-on-one sessions with experts, SHORT RIGA Test Screenings enables filmmakers to pitch and screen their work in full length to sales agents, distributors, and major festival representatives, and receive valuable professional feedback. Submissions for SHORT RIGA Test Screenings are open from 17 June to 17 August. Learn more at rigaiff.lv/testscreenings.

Taking place at cinemas K.Suns and Splendid Palace, the two main RIGA IFF FORUM sections, along with a richly packed agenda of events tailored to film professionals, offer a welcoming and well-rounded industry forum – an ideal and meaningful meeting place for building connections and forging new collaborations. Please visit forum.rigaiff.lv for detailed submission guidelines, eligibility requirements, the event schedule, and further information about the RIGA IFF programme.

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, the National Film Centre of Latvia, and the Investment and Tourism Agency of Riga. RIGA IFF FORUM is also supported by TV3 and BBposthouse / BBrental.