The opening of SHORT RIGA section will host a number of national premieres by Latvian authors. We are happy to announce that Lizete Upīte’s short film “Riga’s Lilac” will be one of the works featured. The hand-drawn animation film captures the social impact that a bad smell of another person can cause. The interviews conducted in Riga and the audio recordings by Ģirts Bišs reveal the capital city in a tragicomic manner, constituting what can be conceptualised as “documentary fiction.”

“Night Walks,” Upīte’s first film made in Latvia, was nominated in five categories at the Latvian National Film Awards “Lielais Kristaps” 2018. Upīte received award as the best animation artist and Ģirts Bišs was awarded for the best sound design. “Night Walks” has also received high appraisal in one of the oldest and most prominent Northern European film festivals – the Grand Prix of the Fredrikstad Animation Festival.

The short films of Lizete Upīte reflect on the depicted environment and center around everyday experiences that often go unnoticed. Her works show direct influences of the cities she has resided in when elaborating them. Thus, the depiction of Riga is special not only in subject matter but also with regard to the overall atmosphere. “Riga’s Lilac” has been drawn in Vendome, France, while participating in the creative residency “Ciclic Animation”, and is produced by Papy3D (France) and Atom Art (Latvia).

You can find out more about the SHORT RIGA section here.

We remind you that on May 29 a limited offer of one hundred exclusive ten-ticket packs will be launched. It is your chance to spend a lot less on the festival attendance or make a nice present for someone special!

The ticket packs will be available at our ticket section!