The event consists of a closed screening of short films by directors from the Baltic States and invited countries, after which an international panel of experts will provide feedback, recommendations for finishing the films, and suggestions on festival strategy. The basic principle of the event is to gather representatives of notable film festivals and talent scouts in one place. The screenings should serve as a springboard for getting the selected films into the festival circuit. SHORT RIGA Test Screenings are planned to take place from 19 to 21 October on site in Riga.
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 have access to 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.
For additional information, please contact Short Film Project Manager Lauma Kaudzīte – lauma@rigaiff.lv.
Award
One Test Screenings project will be awarded a prize of post-production services worth 5000 euro, thanks to our partners BBPosthouse.
BBPostHouse is a post-production house based in Riga, Latvia. BBPostHouse provides film and digital video media services that include online editing, color grading, digital cinema encoding, sound design, VFX, mastering, film scanning and data archiving.
They work with all elements of post-production in commercials, shorts, feature films, documentaries, tv-series or music videos and all media including cinema, television, radio and internet are provided.
Their team is made up of experienced professionals and talents who value high quality, effective service and excellent results.
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 2023 is Norway.
- There are no genre or technique restrictions or requirements for the submitted films.
- Runtime: rough cuts can be up to 40 min., finished films can be 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.
SHORT RIGA Test Screenings are planned to take place on 19 – 21 October 2023 on site in Riga.
You will be asked to use your Eventival account to submit a film. Having an account will enable you to see all your applications in one place and to exchange all necessary information with RIGA IFF staff. In case of any queries regarding your account, please contact the RIGA IFF Admissions Department – admissions@rigaiff.lv.
Deadline
The deadline for applications is 15 August 2023, 23:59 (local time in Latvia, GMT+2).