SHORT RIGA Test Screenings, the longest-running section of the Riga International Film Festival (15–25 October) industry programme RIGA IFF FORUM, has announced the lineup for its 12th edition. 12 exciting, short films in the works-in-progress stage will be presented to a panel of industry professionals, receiving in-depth evaluations, valuable feedback, and the chance to win a consultation prize from the world sales company Lights On and a complete foley recording by sound post-production Studio BEEP. Learn more: rigaiff.lv/testscreenings.

SHORT RIGA Test Screenings – a one-of-a-kind industry event in the Baltics dedicated to the in-depth evaluation of short films – returns this October for its 12th edition. Curated by Czech festival programmer and curator Lenka Tyrpáková, 12 outstanding short film projects from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland will be screened in full for sales agents, distributors, broadcasters, and major festival representatives, showcasing the diverse possibilities of audiovisual storytelling in short form. In addition, participants benefit from editing consultations, led by Latvian editor Andris Grants, sound design consultations by Zuzana Čtvrtečková (Studio Beep), distribution consultations by Queralt Pons Serra (MoreThan Films), as well as pitching training, and one-to-one meetings with international industry experts.

SHORT RIGA Test Screenings 2026 participants:

• Anti Kristo 
  Dir. Jaan Sinka, prod. Henry Laasalu (Munga Sonx)
• Birds & Shells (Putni un gliemežvāki) 
  Dir. Alessandro Novelli, prod. Sniedze Kāle (Studija Kokles), BAP Animation Studios
• The Dare 
  Dir. Henna Välkky, Samuel Häkkinen, prod. Samuel Häkkinen, Henna Välkky (Silent Paprika Films)
• The Funeral of Inheritance (Cūkas bēres) 
  Dir. Roberta Kalniņa, prod. Elza Siliņa, Emma Daniela Grāpe (PILNA)
• The Ground (Maa) 
  Dir. Ülo Pikkov, prod. Kerdi Oengo (Nukufilm Studios)
• Inside 
  Dir. Jenni Kivistö, Jussi Rastas, prod. Ella Ruohonen (Väki Films)
• Naples, Florida (Neiplsas, Florida) 
  Dir. Modesta Žemgulytė, prod. Akvilė Žilionytė-Khan (Artišokai)
• Nesting (Ligzda) 
  Dir. Anna Zača, prod. Uldis Cekulis, Līva Vernere, Paula Jansone (VFS FILMS), Kerdi Oengo (Nukufilm), Justė Michailinaitė (Broom Films)
• Last Curonian Cow (Paskutinė kuršių karvė)
  Dir. Dovydas Drakšas, prod. Greta Akcijonaitė (Magic Film)
• Papito 
  Dir. Maria Reinup, prod. Kadi Freja Felt (Get Shot Films)
• Tears of Stardust (Žvaigždžių dulkių ašaros) 
  Dir. Vilma Razmutė, prod. Giedrė Burokaitė (Akis bado)
• Vlad the Impaler 
  Dir. Juhana Lumme, prod. Juhana Lumme (Lumme)

In two pitching sessions on 23 and 24 October, projects will be presented to an industry expert panel. The panel includes Aurélie Chesné (France Télévisions, France), Gregory Coutaut (La Semaine de la Critique, France), Sofia Tocar (Square Eyes, Austria), Olga Torrico (Sayonara Film, Italy) Charlotte Voillequin (Alphapanda, Germany). Experts will provide in-depth professional feedback and practical notes to increase each film’s chances of a successful exhibition of the film. 

Further strengthening the programme’s role as a launchpad for international exposure, one selected project will receive a fully tailored distribution consultation from Lights On. Meanwhile another project will receive Studio BEEP Foley Award – a complete foley recording by sound post-production Studio BEEP.

SHORT RIGA Test Screenings, the short film in-depth feedback initiative of RIGA IFF FORUM will take place from 23 to 24 October at Splendid Palace cinema and the Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel. Participation in SHORT RIGA Test Screenings and other RIGA IFF FORUM events will be available with an industry accreditation FORUM Pass or Festival & FORUM Pass. More details about RIGA IFF FORUM and its programme: forum.rigaiff.lv.

For updates and further information, visit forum.rigaiff.lv and follow RIGA IFF and RIGA IFF FORUM on social media. RIGA IFF is made possible with the support of the State Culture Capital Foundation, the EU programme “Creative Europe – MEDIA”, Riga City Council, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia / Mission Latvia, and the National Film Centre of Latvia. RIGA IFF FORUM is also supported by the French Republic, the French Institute in Poland, the Finnish Film Foundation, BBposthouse/BBrental, Studio BEEP and Lights On.