Riga International Film Festival announces winners
The Riga International Film Festival has revealed the winners of its 13th edition, held at its home venue, the Splendid Palace. The event, hosted by Latvian director and actor Gerds Lapoška, brought together film participants, juries, guests, and audiences to celebrate cinematic achievements from the Baltic Sea region and beyond.Festival evaluated diverse film entries
Over 11 days, the festival’s juries assessed nine feature films from the Baltic Sea region, 31 short films from Latvia and globally, and 11 music videos that paired Baltic filmmakers with musicians. The event also recognized projects from the Riga IFF Showcase and Short Riga Test Screenings, part of the festival’s industry-focused Riga IFF Forum.Feature film competition winner highlighted
The feature film competition was won by Nipster, a drama-thriller directed by Sunniva Eir Tangvik Kveum. The film, described as politically charged, was praised for its provocative approach to uncomfortable themes and its blend of thriller, found family, and coming-of-age elements.Jury praised Nipster’s impact
The jury noted that Nipster addresses issues of xenophobia and far-right politics by examining the banality of indoctrination and the need to question accepted narratives. The film’s lead jury, including Henning Falk and Olivia Popp from Cineuropa, awarded it a €5,000 prize.Special mention for Mo Papa
Eeva Mägi’s Mo Papa received a Special Mention in the feature film category. The film, Mägi’s second feature, was acknowledged for its narrative depth and emotional resonance.Industry programme awards highlight new talent
The Riga IFF Showcase, part of the festival’s industry programme, awarded Daniel Rihák’s My World Upside Down its prize. The jury, including Nadia Maria Oliva and Roberts Vinovskis, praised the film’s youthful vulnerability and its challenge to conservative narratives.Special mention for Magic Mountain
Ukrainian director Mykola Zasieiev’s Magic Mountain received a Special Mention in the industry section. The film, which explores themes of truth and doubt, was noted for its emotional depth and narrative complexity.Full list of winners released
The festival also announced winners in short film, music video, and audience awards. Yolo by Tīna Zariņa won Latvia’s national short film competition, while Patch by Luka Galešić took the international short film prize. The Baltic Music Video Competition was won by Caurspīdīgie Parazīti, and the Radio SWH Audience Award went to SAFARI by Dominykas Bliznikas.
