In the category of short film, the local film scene is particularly dynamic. For the national short film competition, we select works of various genres and forms that have been made within the last two years. The competition is judged by an international jury to ensure acknowledgement of the unique features of Latvian-made films from a broader perspective. In the opinion of RIGA IFF, however, every film included in the selection is already a winner.
Signe Birkova is a filmmaker from Riga and has studied Philosophy, Journalism and Film. Since then, she has directed short fiction films, experimental films, documentaries, TV programmes as well as analogue film performances. She makes experimental films using 16mm and Super 8 film material, and different animation techniques. Her short fiction film Upon Return I'll Be a Flaming Rose received a special FIPRESCI award in Latvia in 2014. Signe is a member of the Baltic Analog Lab artist collective.
After studying psychology in Belgium, Wim Vanacker moved to Dublin to work as a psychologist in the field of drug addiction. Three years later, he picked up studying again at EICAR. After graduating, he discovered NISI MASA – European Network of Young Cinema where he became the Head of the Script Department and the Project manager of the MEDIA funded project, European Short Pitch. He is a member of the Selection Committee for the Official Short Film Competition of the Cannes Film Festival and Editorial Consultant for the First Cut Lab. On the side, he works as a script consultant, creative advisor, programmer, tutor and guest speaker.
Mikhail Zheleznikov has made films for ARTE, YLE and St. Petersburg Documentary Film Studio. His video works have been played at various art venues and film festivals. Curates experimental short film competition In Silico at Message To Man film festival. Co-programs the experimental film festival Kinodot. In 2015–2019 was teaching at St. Petersburg State Institute of Culture, since 2016 in St. Petersburg New Cinema School, since 2019 in St. Petersburg State Institute of Film and TV. In 2019 was one of the curators of
experimental project Per Forma 2 Stage at the Big Drama Theater.