As is tradition, Riga International Film Festival (RIGA IFF, 17–27 October) will offer to enjoy the celebration of cinema not only in person, at cinemas Splendid Palace and Forum Cinemas, but also online throughout Latvia. During the festival, the online platform online.rigaiff.lv will host more than 20 screenings, among them finds from the biggest film festivals, moving dramas, suspenseful psychological thrillers, as well as carefully selected films for children and families, and a flamboyant selection of short films. More information about online screenings and tickets is available at online.rigaiff.lv.
Works in Progress, which presents films in production or post-production looking for sales agents or festivals for international premieres, presents 17 projects in three categories: Baltic Event Works in Progress, International Works in Progress and Just Film Works in Progress. The selected projects include first features by Student Academy Award winners and a European Film Award winner and new titles by established directors.
TALLINN: With the 10.9 m EUR that the state will allot to develop infrastructure and support services for the film industry in Jõhvi, the Ida-Viru Investment Agency plans to establish a creative industries incubator building in the Jõhvi business park by September 2026.
Lithuanian Director Eglé Razumaite Selected for 48th Rėsidence of Festival de Cannes
Lithuania 13-10-2024VILNIUS: Lithuanian director Eglé Razumaite is among the six emerging film talents selected for the 48th Rėsidence du Festival de Cannes. Eglé Razumaite’s Ootid / Ootidė took part in the Short Film Competition of the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
VILNIUS: The 12th edition of the Baltic Pitching Forum (BPF), which was held in Vilnius 8 – 11 October 2024, wrapped with the announcement of the winners.
Kafka. In Love, the latest animated short film by Latvian director Zane Oborenko, will have its national premiere at the Riga International Film Festival on October 23rd, followed by the international premiere at the POFF in Estonia. Inspired by the famed Letters to Milena by Franz Kafka, the film explores the complex emotional landscape of falling in love, as revealed through Kafka’s intimate correspondence with Milena Jesenská. Oborenko’s use of sand animation brings a uniquely delicate texture to this portrayal of love, loneliness, and self-discovery.
Edmunds Jansons Leads a New Wave of Animation Experimentation Through Music
Press releases 13-10-2024Edmunds Jansons, the acclaimed Latvian director, has just premiered his latest animated short film, Freeride in C, at the Ottawa International Animation Festival, signalling a promising start to its festival circuit. This experimental animation explores the world of winter sports, showcasing skiers as they navigate snow-covered mountains. Jansons emphasises the strong interplay between sound and movement, using Terry Riley’s In C as a foundational element to create an engaging and rhythmic experience.
This year, the 12th edition of the Baltic Pitching Forum (BPF) welcomed filmmaking talents from the Baltic countries and Croatia to the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. Pitching twelve projects to key industry figures, alongside participating in a series of talks, lectures, and training sessions, the attendees benefited from an event that continues to be regarded as one of the most important industry showcases in the Baltic region.
BUDAPEST: The 21st Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival, which will run in Budapest 6 – 13 November 2024, has a new programming team who stake on both award-winning films and hidden gems.
JIHLAVA: Thirteen titles from countries including Latvia, Slovakia, Poland, Romania and Czech Republic have been selected for the international competition section Opus Bonum of the 28th Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, which will be held 25 October – 3 November 2024.