Latvian Films Shine at Riga international Film Festival
The 12th season of the Riga International Film Festival (RIGA IFF), running October 16-26, will open with the Latvian animated feature “God’s Dog,” directed by laura and Rait Abelis. The film, a striking work utilizing rotoscoping, has already garnered international attention, including a lauded premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival where it was praised for its boldness and innovation. Notably, “God’s Dog” is Latvia‘s official submission for the Academy Award’s “Best International Feature film” category.
This year’s RIGA IFF feature film competition showcases nine diverse films from Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Ukraine, and Sweden. Festival Creative Director Sonora Brock highlights the competition’s focus on unique cinematic vision, notably within the Baltic Sea and Nordic regions, noting the films “breathe with the world” as they explore themes of identity and the mysteries of existence. Brock promises audiences a glimpse into “the future of cinema,” filled with fantastical characters and opportunities for personal interpretation.
Latvia’s presence extends beyond the opening film, with two further entries vying for the competition’s top prize: a €5,000 award and a bronze statuette. “Testaments,” Jānis Ābele’s documentary, follows a poignant journey through Europe’s red-light districts as it attempts to fulfill the final wish of poet Anatoly Imermans.Krista Burāne’s “All Birds Sing Beautifully” offers a unique cinematic experience, blending musical performance with a compelling exploration of Latvian folk songs and the changing populations of its bird species.
A distinguished international jury - comprised of French curator Thibod Brak, Estonian director Anna Hints, Latvian producer Alise Ģelze, Norwegian producer Gudnija Hummelvoll, and Kristiāns Žēns, head of the Film Department at the Cannes Film Festival – will determine the winning film.
The festival’s broader program will feature over 100 films across more than 70 screenings, held at venues throughout Riga including Splendid Palace, Forum Cinemas, the National Library of Latvia, and the Rothko Museum in Daugavpils. RIGA IFF aims to present the latest in Baltic and Nordic cinema alongside a curated selection of international works, offering a rich and varied cinematic experience.
Tickets are available for purchase at rigaiff.lv and through Biļešu serviss outlets.
