RIGA IFF FORUM is a platform designed to empower both emerging filmmakers and established industry professionals. Over the years, numerous projects – ranging from independent filmmakers seeking breakthroughs to industry veterans expanding their horizons – have achieved outstanding success due to the notable partnerships forged in RIGA IFF. Through project pitches, networking, one-on-one meetings, and test screenings, we strive to provide an environment where creativity thrives and partnerships flourish.

SHORT RIGA Test Screenings

SHORT RIGA Test Screenings, an in-depth feedback session for short films from the Baltics and a different guest country each year, will celebrate its 10th edition in 2024. As a one of a kind short-form film industry event in the Baltic region, over the years it has served as a launchpad for short films that have gone on to achieve international recognition and wider critical acclaim.

Among the notable alums of SHORT RIGA Test Screenings is Sander Joon’s animated short Sierra (prod. AAA Creative). Winner of the 2021 edition, Sierra went on to be selected for over 130 festivals, winning 43 awards and being shortlisted for the Oscars in 2022. Participation in SHORT RIGA Test Screenings plays an important role in finding notable distributors and sales agents as Sierra secured both distribution (Square Eyes) and sales (New Europe Film Sales) deals during the event. 

Jon Vatne’s film Iris (prod. Syden Pictures) was featured in last year’s lineup. The film recently had its world premiere at the Oberhausen International Short Film Festival, where it won the ECFA Short Film Award. Featured in the SHORT RIGA Test Screenings programme in 2022, Liisi Grünberg’s Miisufy (prod. AAA Creative) premiered at Sundance 2023 and continued its screenings in competitions at Clermont-Ferrand, AFI Fest, Love & Anarchy and others. Similarly, Martinus Klemet’s short Face Recognition (prod. Animartinus), after being showcased at RIGA IFF FORUM in 2020, has been screened at more than 40 festivals worldwide, but Robertas Neveckas’ Snow Shelter (prod. Meno avilys) went to have over 30 sightings at major film festivals.

RIGA IFF SHOWCASE

Meanwhile, 2024 marks the third year of RIGA IFF SHOWCASE, the co-financing market for feature films and series, tailored for producers, distributors, sales agents and festival programmers. Despite its brief history, the programme has already spotlighted several projects that have gained both domestic and international recognition.

Latvian-made series project, Soviet Jeans, was pitched at the inaugural edition of RIGA IFF SHOWCASE in 2022. Subsequently, it was featured in last year’s industry screenings and later secured a place in the main competition at Series Mania and Berlin EFM in 2024. Furthermore, it was nominated for 12 categories at Latvian National Film Awards, winning three of them.

Another limited series project Boarding House at a Manor, produced by the acclaimed Latvian production company Mistrus Media, was also pitched at RIGA IFF SHOWCASE in 2022 and since has premiered in Latvia gaining remarkable reception amongst local viewers. 

But there is more to come. Join our open call for RIGA IFF FORUM 2024 and become the next big success story as we embark on the next chapter together. Please visit forum.rigaiff.lv for detailed submission guidelines, eligibility requirements, event schedule and further information about the events. Submissions are open until 12 August.

RIGA IFF’s main partner is the media and technology company Tet. The festival is made possible with the support of the State Culture Capital Foundation, EU programme “Creative Europe – MEDIA”, Riga City Council, and the National Film Centre of Latvia.