SHORT RIGA Test Screenings is an industry programme aimed at short film projects in works-in-progress stage from the Baltics and this year’s guest country, Finland. The event consists of closed screenings of short films after which an international panel of experts provide feedback, recommendations for finishing films, and suggestions on festival strategy. 

SHORT RIGA Test Screenings offers a valuable platform for filmmakers to connect with potential distribution and sales partners, secure a festival premiere, and enter the international festival circuit – all within a focused environment designed for networking and feedback. The participants benefit from sound-design consultation offered by Studio BEEP, editing consultation, on-site pitching training, and individual meetings with the decision makers during the event.

In 2026, the event will take place from 22 to 24 October in Riga, Latvia.

To submit your short film, please click HERE. Prior to submitting your work, please check the Submission tab, to see if it meets the eligibility criteria.

The programme is supported by the National Film Centre of Latvia, the Finnish Film Foundation, Lights On and Studio BEEP.

The curators of SHORT RIGA Test Screenings select 10 to 14 promising short films that are split into two screenings held over two days. The films are evaluated by a commission of five experts that changes yearly so as to guarantee in-depth evaluations from different perspectives. The panel will have familiarised themselves with the projects in advance, but final feedback and evaluations will follow only after seeing the films on the big screen. 

The participants also benefit from an on-site pitching training prior to their presentations. Before each film, the filmmakers will explain what stage their film is currently at and what the main issues and questions that they wish to clarify are. The experts will make comments and take questions after each film. Further communication on the projects takes place at one to one meetings.

To submit your short film, please click HERE. For additional information, please contact Short Film Programme Manager Lauma Kaudzīte – lauma@rigaiff.lv.

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

• The programme is open to directors either residing, or born in the Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – and each year’s guest country.
• The guest country for 2026 is Finland.
• There are no genre or technique restrictions or requirements for the submitted films.
• Runtime: rough cuts up to 40 min., finished films up to 30 min.
• Submitted films must have English subtitles added.
• There is no submission, or participation fee.
• In case a film is selected, filmmakers must confirm their availability for the whole event on site in Riga.

AWARDS

Italy-based international film distribution company Lights On led by Flavio Armone, will select one film from the lineup to receive a fully tailored distribution consultation. Another project will receive the Studio BEEP Foley Award – complete foley recording by sound post-production Studio BEEP based in Prague. 

DEADLINE

The deadline for applications is 14 August 2026, 23:59 (local time in Latvia, GMT+2).