FILMS FROM THE BALTIC SEA REGION
INTERNATIONAL JURY

Every year the competition showcases 8-9 titles from the Baltic sea region – the contestants of the RIGA IFF Award presented by an international jury. The competition holds no limitations regarding genre or style, thus the programme can include documentaries, fiction, animation, or anything in between. Prepare for a journey full of discoveries and unexpected turns!

WORLD DOCUMENTARY PROGRAMME

After the fall of the Soviet Union Riga became a place where the imperialistic conservatism of yesterday clashes with the freedom of thought of the civilized tomorrow. It has become an especially troubling issue since the biggest neighbouring country of Latvia reignites its ambition for domination. Right at this historic moment Riga decided to host Артдокфест – Russia’s largest international documentary film festival that is not supported in its country anymore because of the anti-state rhetoric of the festival’s president Vitaly Mansky.
ARTDOCFEST/RIGA constitutes the documentary section of the RIGA IFF. It’s not merely a programme of thought-provoking Russian-language films from across the world, but also a platform for meetings, round tables and panel discussions conducted by international media that facilitates the dialogue with the Russian-speaking audience in Latvia as well. All the film screenings of this programme are Latvian premieres and the presence of the authors is ensured.

GREAT CINEMA FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Latvia is a small country. And this is just the fourth year that a festival of such international significance takes place in Riga. We need new and young people to fall in love with the beautiful world of cinema! This is an honest answer as to why it is so important to have a whole weekend dedicated to films for the whole family, why it is important to provide additional captivating pastimes as well… Two fascinating days of a cinematic adventure for schoolchildren, pre-school kids and their kin.

FILMS FROM THE BALTICS

These are films to be perceived as a part of the world cinema of today, beyond language and country of origin, yet so aware and proud of it. Naturally – the festival grows in sync with the film culture and industry here in the Baltics, and every year presents new challenges and reveals unexpected strengths. Baltic film in an international context is still a challenging feat but just look at the wonders a meeting like this brings to the table ever more often!

THE FESTIVAL’S FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

Selection from among the most spectacular films recently premiered at the most remarkable international festivals to dazzle the local audience and guests of the city alike. These are the titles that have already been or potentially will be awarded with prestigious prizes and praised by experts and audiences.

A RETROSPECTIVE & A RESEARCH:
B-MOVIE. THE GENRE. THE MYTH.

This year the festival’s retrospective and research programme will tackle the touchy subject of the extravagant “B-movie” through exploring the boundaries, myths, and the most expressive examples of the category. “B-movie” serves as an excellent ground for testing ideas and capabilities of filmmakers, its classics has a notable impact on the contemporary cinema.

SHORTS AND MUSIC

This framework comprises the International short film competition programme, the Baltic music video competition programme and… lots of parties! Because it makes no sense to watch a whole lot of incredible cinema and leave without having a chat about it afterwards. Look for the “S” sign (or is it a snake?) for adventure – cinematic, social and just fun!

EUROPE’S NEW PROMISES

For the first time, this year the festival is embarking on a journey around the region known to the world as “Eastern Europe”. Trying to both strip the concept of its stereotypes as well as to add an international, broader dimension to it, our curators have chosen a very small number of films that dare you to step into the weirder side of things and embrace – yes! – the future of Europe!

BRIDGING THE NORDIC – BALTIC STATES OF MIND

Created in collaboration with the embassies of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, as well as the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia and the Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, this is a panorama of a special kind of cinema that reflects the Nordic way of making films, telling a story, painting a picture, singing a song.
To some of us it’s exotic, to others – seems almost indecently cosy, but this cinematic experience is always deeply touching something very human inside of us. The North is truly much closer than one might think…