09-10-2020

The Riga International Film Festival Invites Industry Professionals to Gather Online for the Upcoming Edition of RIGA IFF FORUM

The seventh Riga International Film Festival (RIGA IFF) will take place from October 15–25. Most festival films will be screened both in theaters and online simultaneously, but in response to the ongoing global health crisis, all RIGA IFF FORUM industry events will be held completely online. This decision has opened up a great opportunity – everyone, regardless of their location, will be able to join in and meet other film professionals.

The festival will open with a unique experience – the cine-concert “Where is the Truth?!” that will be available for viewing online worldwide. After the opening, the next day will bring attendees two spectacular industry events – RIGA IFF GOES XR and MAGNETIC SERIES.

The third edition of RIGA IFF GOES XR will start on 16 October at 9:00. This year, the programme is opening doors to other immersive mediums besides VR, like augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). As in previous years, professionals working in film, tech or other related industries, or enthusiasts are welcome to attend any of the inspirational lectures or the 28-hour hackathon for a chance to win the main prize from our partner – Encounters Film festival in the UK.

In the meantime MAGNETIC SERIES, a pitching and networking event launched in close partnership with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and TET, will focus on the Baltic Sea Region and the Nordic countries offering two panel discussions and case studies.

The BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP is back again this year, from 19 to 24 October. The event will gather Baltic animation professionals to focus on the latest developments and issues in the industry. Various events will be held during the week, including Portfolio Presentations and a Student Job Market that will help to integrate the new talents into the animation industry. Last but not least – a masterclass by the award-winning animator Gints Zilbalodis (Away, 2019) where he will reveal what goes on behind the scenes of the creative process.

GREEN CHARTER FOR FILM FESTIVALS will take place as part of the RIGA IFF FORUM on 21 October for the first time. The initiative was launched by the Les Arcs Film Festival in France – and will bring together filmmakers, festival representatives and filmgoers to learn more about environmentally friendly filmmaking and festivals, as well as look into what our individual responsibilities are in the time of climate change.

The beloved SHORT RIGA TEST SCREENINGS will take place on 22 and 23 October – these are screenings of short films by Baltic directors, after which an international panel of experts will provide the filmmakers valuable feedback.

To find out more and register, check out : rigaiff.lv/en/forum-2020/

RIGA IFF FORUM is supported by the National Film Centre of Latvia, Magnetic Latvia, TET, the U.S. Embassy in Latvia, the French Institute in Latvia, the British Embassy Riga, the Latvian Animation Association, the Baltic Pitching Forum and the Estonian Academy of Arts.