Riga International Film Festival (RIGA IFF, 17-27 October) is pleased to announce that this year its SHORT RIGA Test Screenings will be curated by Lenka Tyrpáková, taking over from Laurence Reymond, curator of the past two seasons. SHORT RIGA Test Screenings – a part of the industry-oriented RIGA IFF FORUM section taking place in the second half of the festival – will start accepting applications on 12 June – find out all about it at forum.rigaiff.lv.

Lenka Tyrpáková is also the Artistic Director of the Finále Festival and a member of a variety of selection committees. Since 2008 she has been a programmer at Prague Shorts Film Festival and previously held the same position at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival from 2005 to 2023. Lenka is also actively involved as a consultant with several international festivals and is a member of the European Film Awards. She states:

I am delighted to join the team of RIGA IFF as a curator for the RIGA SHORT Test Screenings. This industry program has successfully supported many young filmmakers over the years. Having been a devoted follower of Baltic cinema for years, I’m eager to dive into this role. My focus will be on crafting a diverse selection of films, spotlighting emerging voices. Together with the team and selected experts, we aim to guide them on their journey into the festival circuit. I look forward to collaborating and showcasing the richness of Baltic cinema, as well as presenting the participating regions as the country in focus.

RIGA IFF team expresses their gratitude to Laurence Reymond, SHORT RIGA Test Screenings curator of the past two years, for her valuable guidance in shaping the programme during her tenure. She discovered shorts that later became festival hits and gained far-reaching recognition. Moreover, she also brought the RIGA IFF industry programme to the attention of many experienced international industry players. Laurence leaves behind a strong foundation upon which this short film platform can continue to flourish.

The 11th edition of RIGA IFF will take place from 17 to 27 October. The festival’s industry programme, RIGA IFF FORUM, aims to champion emerging voices in the Baltic and Eastern European cinematic landscape. SHORT RIGA Test Screenings, the longest running and the most esteemed section of the RIGA IFF FORUM, offers in depth feedback sessions by an international panel of experts for short film projects. This platform provides filmmakers from the Baltic states and each year’s guest country with an opportunity to showcase their work and serves as a launching pad onto the festival circuit. Keep an eye out for updates about the RIGA IFF FORUM Open Call on 12 June at forum.rigaiff.lv.