Kristīne Simsone discusses how the Riga International Film Festival is boosting Baltic cinema and regional collaborations, despite historical and funding challenges.
Kristīne Simsone discusses Riga IFF
Kristīne Simsone, head of the RIGA IFF Forum, spoke to Cineuropa about the 13th edition of the Riga International Film Festival, emphasizing its role in promoting Baltic cinema and encouraging regional collaborations. Growing international interest
Simsone noted that many international guests attending the festival were visiting Latvia for the first time, signaling a rising interest in the region’s film industry. She suggested this interest is partly due to historical challenges, such as the Soviet occupation, which disrupted the development of local film traditions. Challenges in recognition
She highlighted the need for greater recognition of Baltic and Eastern European film industries, which she said face obstacles like limited funding and reduced visibility. The RIGA IFF Forum seeks to bridge this gap by connecting local film professionals with international industry figures, funding sources, and cultural policymakers. Event details and focus
The festival welcomed around 200 international guests, and while there are discussions about expanding the industry days, the main goal remains to keep the environment focused and interactive. The forum has grown over the years, adding features like Short Riga Test Screenings and the Baltic Animation Meet-up. Supporting long-term projects
Networking opportunities are designed to help build lasting collaborations and support project development. The forum also follows up on these connections to assist in securing funding and advancing ongoing film projects.
