RIGA IFF 2019 INDUSTRY CATALOGUE (ENG)

FORUM INDUSTRY GUIDE

WHAT IS THIS?

RIGA IFF FORUM now gathers under one roof all of the industry events held within the Riga International Film Festival, and we plan to stick with the name.

Photo: Oļegs Zernovs

There is no continuance commitment.

We have not been building a constant industry event structure for the past six years in which RIGA IFF exists. We go with what we see as relevant today and reinvent the festival accordingly.

However small or compact, we want our influence to be real and significant, not hypothetical or potential.

Liene Treimane Director of RIGA IFF

We choose our battles carefully and realise them with all our strength and with lots of passion.

This year, the RIGA IFF FORUM will welcome virtual reality experts and enthusiasts, Baltic animation industry experts, and Board Members of the European Film Academy.

Why virtual reality?

VR is a swiftly growing and capacious audiovisual medium and we are fascinated by what it can do. Content is king and we see it as our mission to advance new approaches to VR storytelling while also creating unique projects that will help make a difference in educating children and youth by making the learning process more comprehensible for all.

Why Baltic animation?

Latvia has premiered almost 70 animated films over the past decade. Our films regularly take part in and win awards at international animation festivals all around the globe, and are world-renowned for their image artistry and visual storytelling.

We intend to help our animation industry thrive – whether it is a single-director studio or a feature film production team – by joining forces with our neighbours on our way to becoming a Baltic animation superpower.

Hosting the European Film Academy Board Members is an honour and a great chance to strengthen the festival’s potential of becoming a platform that connects people.

EFA Board Members will participate at the MAGNETIC LATVIA FILM CONFERENCE and take part in the RIGA IFF FORUM networking event at which the festival’s international guests and Baltic film industry professionals will have the opportunity to meet one another or strengthen already existing relationships.

Our longstanding SHORT RIGA: Test Screenings will continue the important and gratifying work of giving that little but much-needed push to promising short-form works and their creators.

See you in the festival’s hallways!

CONTENTS

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VENUES

30

MAGNETIC LATVIA FILM CONFERENCE

8

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP

36

EUROPEAN FILM ACADEMY BOARD MEETING

CO-PRODUCTION CASE STUDIES AND FUNDING SOURCES

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HOME MADE ANIMATED

SYNERGY OF EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY

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RIGA IFF INDUSTRY EVENTS

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RIGA IFF TEAM

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FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS

PORTFOLIO. PARTICIPANTS’ PRESENTATIONS

SELLING SHORTS TO ADULTS 16

RIGA IFF GOES VR INSPIRATIONAL TALKS AND LECTURES MAGNETIC LATVIA HACKATHON

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SHORT RIGA TEST SCREENINGS WHAT’S UP?

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VENUES Splendid Palace

Kaņepes Culture Centre

One of the oldest, most opulent and beautiful cinemas in Europe.

Every film screening and event held here turns into an unforgettable occasion, which is why this is where the RIGA IFF Opening event, the Feature Film Competition, film premieres, the Award ceremony, and most screenings are held. It’s also where you’ll find the Festival Information Centre!

A place where an evening can begin with a book and a cup of tea, then unexpectedly morph into active participation in a spontaneous performance. In effect, a place for inspiration, conversation, and an open mind. RIGA IFF invites viewers to come here and relax after screenings; it’s also the setting for the festival’s major film industry networking event.

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National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture

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Elizabetes iela 83/85 A legendary cinema managed with much care that still retains the air of movie houses now long gone. Excellent films were already being shown here two decades before the birth of RIGA IFF. It’s also where special films being shown at the festival will be awaiting their just-as-special viewers.

Kino Bize

Skolas iela 15

Elijas iela 17

A building that fully comprehends the ins and outs of filmmaking: the pulling of all-nighters at film editing tables, dust motes floating in the beam of the projector, and guileless enthusiasm. It’s also where reps from various tech fields and the creative industries will have 24 hours in which to create educational content for virtual reality experiences. Short film presentations will also take place here.

Elizabetes iela 37 A small and cozy cinema hidden in the Quiet Centre of Riga, directly across the street from a building designed by Sergei Eisenstein’s father. It is literally the Art Nouveau of Riga’s film scene, as well as the venue where the festival will screen both Baltic films and memorable short films.

Cafe Film Noir

Villa C.C. von Stritzky Aristīda Briāna iela 9

The former brewery and onetime lavish villa is a popular celebration spot where you can dance either in the courtyard or indoors among bookshelves and ornate fireplaces. One of the festival’s most spirited events will take place here – the Baltic Music Video Competition screening and after-party featuring DJs.

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The underground floor of Splendid Palace is a lively meeting place where film industry professionals and film buffs meet both like- and divergent-minded people via lectures, presentations and discussions.

National Library of Latvia Mūkusalas iela 3

The National Library of Latvia, also known as Castle of Light, is a subject of constant debate and one of the most noticeable buildings in the city’s skyline. It’s also where RIGA IFF will be showing its ARCHITECT’S CUT film programme, inviting viewers to direct their attention to an art form that affects everyone.

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Zemgale suburb, Riga The city has big plans for this historical dam, but for the time being it’s a popular venue for various entertainment and cultural events. During the festival, local and international film industry representatives will meet here to discuss development of the Northern European film market.

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RIGA IFF FORUM NETWORKING EVENT FRIDAY, 18/10 21:00

Kaņepes Culture Centre, Skolas iela 15 This year’s RIGA IFF film industry networking event will be attended by the Board Members of the European Film Academy, Baltic animation industry experts, and virtual reality enthusiasts. The evening will serve as an opportunity to meet other foreign guests of the festival and Latvian film professionals.

More information: forum.rigaiff.lv

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP 8

CURATOR’S GREETING

Anna Zača Curator of RIGA IFF BAMU Head of Latvian Animation Association Board Member at European Animation Awards The Baltic animation industry has a long history – its largest studios developed during the Soviet era, with some of them still being the most active players in the industry. Along with producing children’s films, the film studios also nurtured the region’s generation of auteur film directors, who have become a mark of Baltic distinction and artistic excellence in the world. The political upheaval of the 90s was followed by a slump, but the Baltic animation industry is back on its feet – thriving, even – yet its fragmented structure is an obstacle to a common sustainable policy that would greatly aid in sustaining and promoting this upward trend.

The aim of the Baltic Animation Meet-Up (BAMU) is to create time and space for communication between animation industry professionals in the three Baltic States. To promote the development of the industry in the region as a whole, a variety of aspects must be addressed, beginning with current issues in education, distribution, and co-production.

FRIDAY, 18 OCT.

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP Portfolio. Participants’ presentations 17:00–19:00 Cafe Film Noir Free admission

BAMU guests each have some minutes to present themselves and the way they are involved in the animation industry.

Time to tell about ongoing projects.

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Baltic Animation Meet-Up

CO-PRODUCTION CASE STUDIES AND FUNDING SOURCES

Informative presentations will introduce different examples of co-production in animation, and three case studies will be analysed.

The meet-up will be looking at the financial, production and creative aspects of collaboration. Film support institutions will inform about fundraising options for cases of co-production in the Baltics.

The event will be concluded with a Q&A session.

National Film Centre of Latvia represented by Inga Blese Estonian Film Institute represented by Peeps Pedmason Lithuanian Film Center represented by Audrius Kuprevičius

SATURDAY, 19 OCT.

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP Co-production Case Studies and Funding Sources Villa Antropoff, Vladimir Leschiov, Kaspar Jancis, Winter in the Rainforest, Anu-Laura Tuttelberg, Olga Bulygo, Lotte and the Lost Dragons, Janno Põldma, Vilnis Kalnaellis, National Film Center of Latvia, Estonian Film Institute, Lithuanian Film Center 11:00–13:30 Cafe Film Noir Free admission

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VILLA ANTROPOFF

WINTER IN THE RAINFOREST

LOTTE AND THE LOST DRAGONS

TALV VIHMAMETSAS

LOTTE JA KADUNUD LOHED

Director/author: Kaspar Jancis, Vladimir Leschiov Genre: Animation Country: Latvia, Estonia Runtime: 13 min Producer: Kalev Tamm – EESTI JOONISFILM, Vladimir Leschiov – LUNOHOD Premiere: 2012

Director/author: Anu-Laura Tuttelberg Genre: Animation, experimental Country: Estonia, Lithuania, Mexico Runtime: 8 min Producer: Anu-Laura Tuttelberg – NUKUFILM STUDIO, Olga Bulygo – ART SHOT, MOON BIRDS STUDIOS, ESTUDIO CARABÁS Premiere: 2019

Director/author: Janno Põldma, Heiki Ernits Genre: Animation Country: Estonia, Latvia Run time: 78’ Producer: Kalev Tamm – EESTI JOONISFILM, Vilnis Kalnaellis – RIJA FILMS Premiere: 2019

Once upon a time, there lived a man who had nothing besides himself.

And a dream, a great big dream. But an immense and dangerous sheet of water spread out between him and his dream. The man set out. He arrived at his destination due to his courage and tenacity. But was that what he had been searching for?

Shot in the tropical rainforests of Mexico and Peru, this film captures the eternal dance of life and death as experienced by fragile and resilient magical creatures of porcelain. The combination of natural light, fast flowing time and subtle stop motion animation creates a unique poetic reality.

Two scientists are taking part in a big folk song collecting competition. Whoever succeeds in recording the folk song of the world’s oldest animal species, the mythical fire-breathing dragon, wins the grand prize. The Gadgetville’s girl dog Lotte and her little sister Roosi decide to help the scientists.

Vladimir Leschiov Artist, animator, film director and producer, Latvia

Anu-Laura Tuttelberg Animation director and artist, specializing in puppet animation, Estonia

Janno Põldma Animation director and acclaimed author of children’s books, plays and musicals for young people, Estonia

Kaspar Jancis Film director and composer, Estonia

Olga Bulygo Sound editor, designer and re-recording mixer, Lithuania

Vilnis Kalnaellis Founder of Rija Films – internationally recognized animation studio and service provider, Latvia

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP

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Baltic Animation Meet-Up

SYNERGY OF EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY

What is needed in the animation market? What knowledge do educational establishments offer to acquire? What is their vision of the future? What makes them unique, and how can they collaborate?

This discussion will bring together representatives of the Estonian Academy of Arts, the Art Academy of Latvia, the National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture, Vilnius Academy of Arts and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, and the graduates of these establishments.

SATURDAY, 19 OCT.

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP

Synergy of Education and Industry (panel discussion) Priit Tender, Dzintars Krūmiņš, Tomas Mitkus, Ilja Bereznickas, Edmunds Jansons 14:30–16:30 Cafe Film Noir Free admission

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PARTICIPANTS

Priit Tender Animator, director, editor, Head of the Animation department at the Estonian Academy of Arts, Estonia

Dzintars Krūmiņš Professor of animation at the Art Academy of Latvia and Janis Rozentāls Art School, Latvia

Priit Tender graduated from Tallinn Pedagogical University as an art-teacher.

However he also works as a film director.

His film of 2015 House Of Unconsciousness received award for best European short film from GoShort Short Film Festival Nijmegen, Netherlands and Award for Best Animation Technique from Ottawa International Animation Festival, Canada 2015 amongst many others.

Has received his bachelor’s degree in film directing from the Latvian Academy of Culture in 1997. He has worked as a screenwriter, production designer, director, cameraman, computer artist and animator for several Latvian films. Since 2008 Krūmiņš has taught classical (2D) animation and has been a diploma work adviser at Janis Rozentāls Art School; since 2012 he has taught classical (2D) animation software and acting at the Art Academy of Latvia.

Ilja Bereznickas Animator, illustrator, scriptwriter and caricaturist, Lithuania

Edmunds Jansons Film director and artist, the professor of animation direction at the Art Academy of Latvia, Latvia

Anna Zača (moderator) Head of the Latvian Animation Association, curator of the RIGA IFF programme SHORT RIGA, Latvia

Since 1985 worked at the National Lithuanian Film Studio as director, animator and scriptwriter. Since 1990 has worked in Israel, Norway and the U.S. producing and creating animated TV commercials, shorts and feature animation films, and illustrating children’s books. In 2002 initiated and became the Head of the Animation Programme at Vilnius Academy of Arts as part of the Photography and Media Art Faculty. In 2003–2004 taught at the School of Visual Arts in New York.

Edmunds works as an animation film director and graphic designer at his studio Atom Art. His animation films have been screened all over the world and have won prizes at Animafest Zagreb, interfilm, Hiroshima, KROK, Sommets du cinéma d’animation, SICAF (Seoul), CICFF (Chicago), LIAF (London), etc. He is also a recognized children’s book illustrator and professor at the Art Academy of Latvia.

Anna represents Latvia in the Board of Emile Awards. She has researched animation theory in the Estonian Academy of Arts, later continuing her research at the Art Academy of Latvia.

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP

Tomas Mitkus Lecturer at the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, an art director at the animation studio MB Studio Mitkus, Lithuania Tomas received a Bachelor of Arts degree in animation from University College for the creative arts in Farnham, UK in 2008 and continued his master’s degree studies in animation at Glasgow University, UK. Tomas has worked in various live action and animated TV, feature, advertising and video games projects in Lithuania and abroad. Tomas is also a member of the Lithuanian Film Board and an author of few academic books.

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Baltic Animation Meet-Up

SELLING SHORTS TO ADULTS

Animated shorts for an adult audience at international film festivals are the most popular Baltic film export so far. How can we ensure their distribution on a local level as well – in film theatre programming and on TV? Animated film distributors and television representatives will be sharing their experiences at this discussion.

SATURDAY, 19 OCT.

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP Selling Shorts to Adults (round table discussion) Mari Kivi, Zane Valeniece, Gytis Oganauskas, Rimantė Daugėlaitė Moderator – Peter Murdmaa 18:00–20:00 Cafe Film Noir Free admission

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PARTICIPANTS

Mari Kivi Animator, illustrator, distributor at the Estonian Academy of Arts in Animation Department, Estonia

Zane Valeniece Head of Acquisitions at the Latvian Television, Latvia

Gytis Oganauskas Deputy Director General of Lithuanian National Radio and Television, Lithuania

Mari works as a project manager and a distributor at the Estonian Academy of Arts in Animation Department. She has been working as a guest coordinator in Animated Dreams, international animation film festival and Baltic Preview at PÖFF Shorts, international short film and animation festival.

Zane is in charge of TV series and content for kids at the Latvian Television, where she selects kids’ programmes that evolve imagination, have educational elements, offer positive behaviour models and yet are entertaining and filled with adventure.

Gytis has 25 years of media experience in radio, online and TV. Former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the biggest news portal in Lithuania DELFI and the Head of Video department at DELFI TV. Since April 2018, he is a Deputy Director General of the Lithuanian National Radio and Television.

Rimantė Daugėlaitė Managing director of the Lithuanian Short Film Agency Lithuanian Shorts, Lithuania

Peeter Murdmaa (moderator) Director of ShortEst, Estonian Short Film Center, Estonia

Rimantė has been the Managing director of Lithuanian Shorts since 2012 and the Head of the Vilnius International Short Film Festival since 2009. Rimantė has been working in the audiovisual sector for nearly ten years and has coordinated multiple culture and film promotion projects, she has also produced several Lithuanian short films.

A broad-profile filmmaker, short film distributor and programmer. Cinematographer and director of documentaries; has produced short fiction films. Founder of ShortEst, Estonian Short Film Center.

Currently he is developing the short film distribution event Baltic Preview at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

Co-organizer of Baltic Pitching Forum in Vilnius. Artistic director of Go Debut European Film Festival in Klaipeda.

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP

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RIGA IFF GOES VR 17

RIGA IFF GOES VR

INSPIRATIONAL TALKS AND LECTURES

Virtual reality is a fascinating and rapidly growing audiovisual medium that expands the possibilities and boundaries of cinematic language.

It is no less than a film festival’s mission to foster and advance new approaches to VR storytelling that employ this language.

Riga International Film Festival and the interactive production house Story Hub are partnering with Magnetic Latvia to host RIGA IFF GOES VR – a regionally unique space for dialogue and co-operation among VR and film professionals as well as other members of the creative industries with different fields of expertise; for virtual reality is not just a technology, but also a new way of filmmaking as well as an art form, a communications instrument, an entertainment platform, and a valuable educational tool.

FRIDAY, 18 OCT. RIGA IFF GOES VR

Set of four inspirational lectures on the basics of VR storytelling Sara Lisa Vogl, Jessica Driscoll, Mikkel Keldorf, Sonja Bozic Moderator – Eva Brazdžionytė 10:00–15:00 Cafe Film Noir Free admission

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LECTORS

Sara Lisa Vogl Germany

Jessica Driscoll United Kingdom

Mikkel Keldorf Denmark

Graduated with honours in Communication Arts and Interactive Media from Design Factory International in Hamburg.

Sara is a co-founder of the community VR Nerds and spent the early days of VR in 2014 with the Hamburg-based team co-creating experiences and engaging with the young community through a blog and YouTube videos. She has contributed to uniting and unlocking the potential of the European XR scene by co-founding the VR & AR incubator XRBASE.

VR Development director at the London based Cornerstone Partnership – a social enterprise that innovatively employs VR as a training tool to accelerate behaviour change. Jessica has worked as a producer on a variety of VR projects, including CGI dramas, and has also been part of BBC Connected studio, a product designed to stimulate disruptive near to mid-term innovation at scale, providing the environment and resources needed to pursue big, game-changing ideas and maximise successful transfer of technology, processes and ideas into live BBC output – both online and broadcast.

After completing his studies in journalism, Mikkel worked as a reporter in Shanghai covering Scandinavian business and politics in Asia. He has worked on numerous documentaries, organically embracing the medium of virtual reality – one of his latest, Beyond the Wall, has been screened at various film festivals, including CPH:DOX. He now runs his own company, Mikkel Keldorf Media, which delivers high-quality video productions for TV stations and private companies as well as documentaries.

Sonja Bozic United States of America

Eva Brazdžionytė (moderator) Lithuania

Multi-award-winning filmmaker and professor. She has edited, directed, and produced a wide range of video forms that have been screened internationally, including at the Cannes Film Festival.

Sonja currently teaches film editing at the New School, New York City, and transmedia at Montclair State University, New Jersey. She earned her Ph.D. in Transmedia Storytelling at Ohio University, where her transmedia research was nominated for the Trisolini Fellowship Award.

Film critic; often writes for the magazines Kino Raksti and Satori. Is especially interested in the phenomenon of auteur animation in the Latvian cinema scene, and a large part of her research has focused on the history of Latvian animation. An active member of the Latvian Animation Association.

RIGA IFF GOES VR

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RIGA IFF GOES VR

MAGNETIC LATVIA HACKATHON

Fascinated by what VR can do? Come take part in the RIGA IFF GOES VR hackathon and put your tech skills, creative ideas, or cinematic knowledge to the test! All are equally needed and important for the creation of a successful VR experience.

Seeing that virtual reality is an impactful medium, we invite you to create a project that will help make a difference for kids and youth by rendering the learning process easy, exciting, and accessible to all. Come with your own idea or work on the challenges formulated by the local community.

The assigned tasks cover a variety of topical themes and issues concerning accessible learning that can be solved by a corresponding VR experience. The tasks are not only well-crafted by professionals that know the respective field thoroughly, but also take into consideration the needs of the potential target audience of the project-to-be. You can participate in the hackathon with your own team or join one at the event.

The winning team will have the opportunity to attend the Digital Freedom Festival and pitch their idea to its audience and investors. DELFI will contribute to the prize fund by DELFI Plus subscriptions and advertising or articles worth of 1000 EUR to promote your project!

SATURDAY, 19 OCT. RIGA IFF GOES VR

Magnetic Latvia hackathon: creating educational VR content for children and youth

Moderator – Edgars Simsons 10:00–10:00 (24 h) National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture For registered participants (See www.rigaiff.lv)

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PARTNERS INVITED TO DEFINE THE MAGNETIC LATVIA HACKATHON TASKS

IR

Latvian Dyslexia Association

Trusted and respected for its skillful analytical journalism and innovative approaches, the weekly magazine IR is one of the leading media outlets in Latvia. Awarded for its articles, the independently owned magazine has steadily grown its reach to 70 000 readers every week. The magazine’s crafted task for hackathon participants will address the topic of understandably explaining the process of legislation and political decision-making.

A non-governmental association that represents and protects the interests of those affected by dyslexia. The association also raises awareness about this not uncommon neurobiological disorder – this is important for faster diagnosis and to find solutions for inclusivity at schools and workplaces. The Latvian Dyslexia Association will challenge hackathon participants to work on a VR experience that could facilitate reading.

The Autism Society of Latvia

National Film Centre of Latvia

An active and innovative non-governmental community organisation that raises awareness and protects the rights and interests of those affected by autism spectrum disorder. The task provided by the Autism Society of Latvia will encourage hackathon participants to create an experience that would aid children and youth on the autism spectrum to explore an environment (for example, a new school) in VR before actually being there physically.

The main supporter of RIGA IFF GOES VR and the main organisation in Latvia that manages budget funds for film production.

The National Film Centre also takes an active role in promoting Latvian cinema both at home and abroad, as well as fosters numerous film education initiatives. Accordingly, the task formulated by the National Film Centre will address the topic of audiovisual education, aiming to use VR to teach users about Latvian films and their eventful history.

Latvian Nature Fund The mission of the Latvian Nature Fund is conservation of the diversity of the natural environment of Latvia. In order to carry this out, the fund works both on practical activities as well as community education. Naturally, the task for hackathon participants will challenge them to create a VR experience that would allow its users to grasp the importance of safeguarding the diversity of the natural world.

DELFI Campus Hosted by the largest Latvian news website, DELFI Campus is the largest platform of the exact sciences for students, their parents, and everyone who is captivated by this world. DELFI Campus is a platform for the exchange of ideas and information among pupils, students, and professionals from various scientific communities.

Žanis Lipke Memorial Well-hidden among the small streets of the island of Ķīpsala, the Žanis Lipke Memorial is located in the barn where Lipke hid Jews from the Nazi occupation regime in the 1940s. It now stands as a reminder and a symbol of courage and humanity – values that are a cornerstone of democratic and diverse societies. The task will challenge hackathon participants to create an experience that would allow its users to discover the diversity of contemporary Riga.

RIGA IFF GOES VR

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SHORT RIGA 23

SHORT RIGA

TEST SCREENINGS

A section for talents eager to learn, practice, get inspired, and expand their creative horizons. Each year, 8–10 filmmakers from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are invited to present their short films to a panel of international experts who offer in-depth analyses of their work.

These screenings should serve as a potential springboard for getting the selected films onto the festival circuit. Further communication on the projects takes place at the evening networking event.

THURSDAY, 24 OCT. FRIDAY, 25 OCT. SHORT RIGA: TEST SCREENINGS I

Baltic short film presentations for experts 13:00–17:00 National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture For registered participants and RIGA IFF badge holders (See www.rigaiff.lv)

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SHORT RIGA: TEST SCREENINGS II

Baltic short film presentations for experts 10:30–14:30 National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture For registered participants and RIGA IFF badge holders (See www.rigaiff.lv)

EXPERTS

Lars Henrik Gass Director of the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen, Germany

Armands Začs Editor, director, Latvia

Candice Costa Distributor at Miyu Distribution, France

Author of several books on cinema. Author of numerous articles, essays, reviews, and lectures on film, photography, and cultural policy. Has taught on film and cultural management. Board Member of the Federal Association of Municipal Film Work.

Has worked on numerous feature films, documentaries, and short films that have been selected for A-class festivals, such as Karlovy Vary, Sheffield Doc/Fest and Tallinn Black Nights. Currently working on his first feature-length documentary.

Even though she has always loved cinema, she turned to this passion professionally only after the years of law studies.

She joined the Miyu Distribution’s team – promotes animated shorts and enjoys the experiences of international film festivals.

Natalia Dąbrowska Representative of New Europe Film Sales, Poland

Laila Pakalniņa Film director, Latvia

Works with sales and festivals at a Warsaw-based boutique sales company.

Founded by Jan Naszewski, New Europe Film Sales focuses both on shorts and feature films. The catalogue includes a number of festival hits and even Palme d’Or winners.

Her films have been screened in official programmes at Cannes, Venice, Berlinale, and many other international festivals, where they have won numerous awards.

She leads master classes and works as a jury member at various film forums.

SHORT RIGA

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SWAN MAIDEN GULBJA JAUNAVA

I FIND MYSELF IN YOU

SELF-SUFFICIENT PATS. PIETIEKAMS

ES KĻŪSTU TU

Director, writer, animator: Kārlis Vītols Genre: Animation Country: Latvia Runtime: 15 min Producer: Līga Gaisa, AIR PRODUCTION, liga.gaisa@gmail.com Premiere: 2020 Stage of Production: Post-production

Director: Elizabete Mežule-Gricmane Genre: Fiction, Drama, Comedy Country: Latvia Runtime: 28 min Producers: Gunda Bergmane, Daiga Livčāne, NATIONAL FILM SCHOOL OF THE LATVIAN ACADEMY OF CULTURE, liene.linde@lka.edu.lv Premiere: 2020 Stage of production: Accomplished

Director: Diāna Daukste Genre: Documentary Country: Latvia Runtime: 25 min Producers: Elīna Maslovska, Daiga Livčāne, NATIONAL FILM SCHOOL OF THE LATVIAN ACADEMY OF CULTURE, liene.linde@lka.edu.lv Premiere: 2020 Stage of production: Accomplished

A movie about a woman who chooses to be a loving mother and wife. Sometimes it comes with a heavy price and she must fight everyday life to keep love alive.

A couple that does not fit into society’s accepted norms regarding women and men. Routine problems of everyday life that tend to take on immeasurable amplitudes push the film’s leads into a most intimate confinement, one in which thoughts and the answers to problems lead to dreams.

Rojs, a drag queen, and Māris, a trolleybus driver, have nothing in common except the fact that they are both gay.

Māris struggles with low self-esteem and the feeling that he has no place in the Latvian LGBT+ community. Rojs deliberately goes to extremes: he is always loudly putting himself on exhibit.

Kārlis Vītols Director, writer, animator

Elizabete Mežule-Gricmane Director

Diāna Daukste Director

Kārlis Vītols dares to reflect on the current issues and social processes in his works, trying to narrow the gap between everyday life and “unworldly art”. He believes that popular culture and mankind’s mythical worldview deserve constant attention. Being a full-blooded member of society, the artist is engaged in recognising mythological characters and their transformation.

Elizabete Mežule-Gricmane has graduated from the Latvian Academy of Culture with a bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Art (specialization – film directing). She works as an editing director at VFS Films.

As a part of her studies, she has produced the short films I am ambiguous (Esmu divdomīgs, 2018) and Tu es tout (2017), as well as the documentary short film Anything perfect (Ideāls jebkas, 2017).

Diāna Daukste has graduated from the Latvian Academy of Culture with a bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Art (specialization – film production). As a part of her studies, she directed the documentary short film VOVAS (2017).

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SHORT RIGA

COMMISSION

THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE

SNOW SHELTER SNIEGO PASTOGE

KILPKONN JA JÄNES

Director: Ieva Balode Genre: Fiction Country: Latvia Runtime: 6 min Producer: Ieva Balode, LATVIAN CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART, ievabalode06@gmail.com Premiere: 2019 Stage of production: Accomplished

Director: Ülo Pikkov Genre: Anidoc Country: Estonia Runtime: 10 min Producer: Ülo Pikkov, SILMVIBURLANE, ylo@silmviburlane.ee Premiere: 2020 Stage of production: Post-production

Director: Robertas Nevecka Genre: Animation Country: Lithuania Runtime: 16 min Producer: Giedrė Burukaite, MENO AVILYS, burokaite.giedre@gmail.com Premiere: 2019 Stage of production: Post-production

Some unknown point of time in Georgia.

A book by a mythical author is being delivered to three powerful women. Its content is hidden within another book – The Knight in the Panther’s Skin written by the Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli and dedicated to the XII century Queen Tamar.

A story of a mother and son and a race against a turtle where you always lose.

Freezing winter in war-devastated nowaday city. Several years passed after destruction, the city slowly rebuilds. The short story follows a man who pursues better living in this reviving society.

Ieva Balode Director

Ülo Pikkov Director

Robertas Nevecka Director

Ieva Balode is an artist and film curator working with analog image. She takes part in international exhibitions and festivals presenting her work in installation, cinema and performance. As a curator, she is a founding member of Baltic Analog Lab – an artists collective providing space and platform for analog film production, research and education. Director of the experimental film festival Process.

Ülo Pikkov is an internationally renowned filmmaker, producer and film scholar.

He studied animation at the Turku Arts Academy in Finland. Has directed several award-winning animation films. Author of “Animasophy, Theoretical Writings on the Animated Film” (2010). Got his doctoral degree at the Estonian Academy of Arts with thesis “Anti-Animation: Textures of Eastern European Animated Film”.

Robertas Nevecka is a self-taught animator. He has worked with a number of local and international animation projects for brands such as MTV, Warner Music, Lionsgate, Deviantart, etc. Recently finished his debut animated short film Snow Shelter. Currently he is working on a VR experience.

SHORT RIGA

27

WOMBSTONE EMAKIVI

WITH MUM AT THE MONASTERY

MATILDA

EMAGA KLOOSTRIS

Director: Kersti Uibo Genre: Experimental documentary Country: Estonia Runtime: 17 min Producer: Ülo Pikkov, SILMVIBURLANE, ylo@silmviburlane.ee Premiere: 2019 Stage of production: Accomplished

Director: Anna Hints Genre: Documentary Country: Estonia Runtime: 20 min Producer: Ülo Pikkov, SILMVIBURLANE, ylo@silmviburlane.ee Premiere: 2019 Stage of production: Accomplished

Director: Ignas Meilūnas Genre: Animation Country: Lithuania Runtime: 12 min Producers: Marija Razgutė, Ignas Meilūnas, M-FILMS, marija@m-films.lt Premiere: 2020 Stage of production: Post-production

A child opens its eyes for the first time and asks where do I fit into this landscape. Am I a giant or a tiny insect?

A mother and daughter with a painful past go to a monastery in Thailand together. Will the 26 days of silence filled with strict meditation help them to make peace with their past?

A girl wants to be the smartest girl in the world. When all the things she had learned could no longer fit in one head, her mother bought her a backup one.

Two heads are better than one, right?

But which head should she wear at what time? Shortly the second one is lost...

Kersti Uibo Director

Anna Hints Director

Ignas Meilūnas Director

Kersti Uibo’s work experience ranges from being a music producer to cleaning streets in Tallinn when blacklisted by the Soviet regime. Used to be a one-woman-band filmmaker. Her documentary films have been shown at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and at numerous international film festivals. She has been teaching documentary film-making and creative documentary, as well as leading practical workshops.

Anna Hints is an Estonian director, screenwriter and musician. She has graduated from Tartu Art College in photography.

Has had personal and group exhibitions in Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Portugal and Mexico. Currently studying at the Baltic Film and Media School in Tallinn. The main focus of her work is on personal and cultural memory, the (im)possibility of communication.

Ignas Meilūnas worked as 3D and stop-motion animator for films, games and TV commercials. His debut short animation/fiction film Woods (Miškas, 2015) won the Lithuanian Film Academy award for best animated film of the year 2015. Since then, he works in films as a freelance animation director or animator.

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SHORT RIGA

SHORT RIGA

WHAT’S UP?

SHORT FILM RELATED PRESENTATIONS SHORT RIGA: WHAT’S UP? is an informal event for SHORT RIGA guests and Baltic artists and producers who are working in short moving image format. With no protocol and only one rule – 5 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes for questions, the participants are invited to share what they have been up to lately. The event is open for all RIGA IFF badge holders and other registered participants.

THURSDAY, 24 OCT. FRIDAY, 25 OCT. SHORT RIGA: WHAT’S UP?

Short film related project presentations 15:00–16:00 Kino Bize For registered participants and RIGA IFF badge holders (See www.rigaiff.lv)

SHORT RIGA: WHAT’S UP?

Short film related project presentations 15:00–16:00 Kino Bize For registered participants and RIGA IFF badge holders (See www.rigaiff.lv)

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MAGNETIC LATVIA FILM CONFERENCE 31

MAGNETIC LATVIA FILM CONFERENCE

FILM MARKET DEVELOPMENT IN NORTHERN EUROPE

Andris Ozols Director of Investment and Development Agency of Latvia Latvia’s geographic position has been alluring for various empires, but we are proudly keeping alive our cultural diversity, polishing our historical values and adoring our various landscapes. For several years Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), as the main national export body, has been proudly showcasing our common creativity and actively supporting Latvia’s presence on the international markets and major festivals.

Currently the Latvian film industry is enjoying a pleasant boom and walking down the red carpet – the total share of Latvian films on local market is significantly growing, movies are ranked among the most-watched in Latvia and being selected for international awards.

Our initiative to organize Magnetic Latvia Film Conference during the Riga International Film Festival 2019 is another step in positioning Latvia as a catching location on the map of international movie market. We are glad to give filmmakers the opportunity to pursue new challenges, to provide a better understanding of international markets, thus contributing to their business growth and creative accomplishments.

FRIDAY, 18 OCT.

SATURDAY, 19 OCT.

Film market development in Northern Europe 09:00–17:00 AB Dam For registered participants (See www.rigaiff.lv)

Location tour 09:00–21:00 For registered participants (See www.rigaiff.lv)

MAGNETIC LATVIA FILM CONFERENCE

32

MAGNETIC LATVIA FILM CONFERENCE

THEMES FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY How will movies survive the next 10 years?

What’s the future of the film industry – where are we now and where do we go?!

What is the potential for small countries like Latvia?

POTENTIAL OF BALTIC FILM INDUSTRY Recent years have seen unprecedented worldwide growth in film and television drama series production. The scale and global nature of this “deluge” presents a major opportunity for countries and regions to service demand by investing in production capability.

The discussion will examine the context for this phenomenon and specifically look at how the Baltic nations’ film sectors can take action to benefit from the situation.

LOCAL PRODUCTION VALUE IN THE GLOBAL LANDSCAPE, BALTIC FOCUS Baltic’s experience in film making and service providing.

Highlighting the strengths of the Baltic States and advantages of each country.

HOW TO GET SMALL COUNTRY PRODUCTS INTO THE BIG MARKETS How to highlight our location on a world map of film industry?

What are the mechanisms for entering international market as a small player?

SELLING YOUR PRODUCT IN DIFFERENT CHANNELS How to influence people’s decision-making processes in a fast-changing world?

How to uncover and captivate the proper target audience for your product?

MAGNETIC LATVIA FILM CONFERENCE

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Magnetic Latvia Film Conference

PARTICIPANTS

Paul Aguraiuja CEO, Itamambuca Filmproduction, producer, Estonia

Julie Baines Producer, Dan Films, United Kingdom

G. Thomas Esmay Director of Corporate Strategy, Breaker, USA

A creative entrepreneur with years of experience in combining strategy with creativity and leading large complex creative teams towards the goal.

He produces internationally acclaimed TV-series.

The founder of Dan Films. A very experienced producer of international feature films and multi-party co-productions across all genres. She has produced with veteran directors but also enjoys supporting new talent. Currently working with Volker Schloendorff.

Breaker is a blockchain EnTech company building tools for creators. Esmay has worked on a variety of documentaries, live broadcasts, and short films, including the Susan Sarandon produced Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story.

Mārtiņš Grauds Filmmaker, producer, Latvia

Agnieszka Holland Film and television director and screenwriter, Poland

Jānis Kalējs Producer, Film Angels Productions, Latvia

Film director, producer and photo artist with acting background. Co-founder of film studio Tanka. Has directed documentaries and award-winning short films and music videos as well as TV commercials.

Best known for her films Europa Europa (1991) and In Darkness (2011), which was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards.

In 2017, she received Alfred Bauer Prize for her film Spoor at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Co-founder of Film Angels Productions; has worked in film industry in Latvia and Canada for over 25 years. He has produced, co-produced and provided service for numerous international film projects in Latvia.

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MAGNETIC LATVIA FILM CONFERENCE

Ieva Norviliene Producer, Tremora, Lithuania

Jonathan Olsberg Chairman of O-SPI, United Kingdom

Shelley Page Consultant, United Kingdom

Managing director of the Lithuanian Filmmakers Union and member of the European Film Academy and Alliance of Cinema Auteurs.

Has built an international reputation as a strategic adviser at the highest levels of media, business and government.

He brings to each assignment decades of expertise as consultant, finance professional, creative industry executive and film producer.

International Animation Talent Consultant for leading animation studios including Netflix Animation (USA), DreamWorks Animation (USA), Aardman Animations (UK), HB Wink (China), 88 Pictures (India) and Wizart (Russia).

Katriel Schory Producer, Executive-Director of the Israel Film Fund, Israel

Sergei Serpuhov Producer, Baltic Pine Films, Latvia

Ada Solomon Producer, EFA Board Member, Romania

Katriel produced over 130 films including feature films, documentaries and int’l co-productions. Since 1999, Executive Director of the Israel Film Fund, has authorized the production of more than 300 new Israeli feature films.

A member of the Latvian Producers Association and EAVE network. Baltic Pine Films specializes in servicing high-end foreign productions. Credits include such titles as League of Justice (US), Blinded (SE), L’Immortale (IT).

Has worked in the film business for the last 20 years. The films produced by Ada were presented & awarded in the most prestigious festivals as Berlinale, Cannes, Locarno, Venice. Her films are released in over 40 territories around the world.

Gary Tuck Producer, Baltic Film Services, Lithuania

Michael Werner CEO and Managing Director of Eyewell, Sweden

Andreas Wildfang Vice-President of EUROVOD, Executive Director of EYZ Media GmbH, Germany

Baltic Film Services produces, co-produces and services international film and television productions.

Recent productions include Chernobyl and Catherine the Great for HBO/Sky Atlantic and The Last Czars for Netflix.

In film distribution since 1986. In 1988 entered world sales with 10 years at Nordisk Film Int’l (today Trust Nordisk).

Since 2013 operating the Swedish int’l sales company Eyewell facing the Baltic countries for new titles.

EYZ develops products and services in the field of digital media and operates video on demand platforms. EYZ offers B2B VOD solutions from app-development to content localization and algorithms.

MAGNETIC LATVIA FILM CONFERENCE

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EUROPEAN FILM ACADEMY BOARD MEETING 37

EUROPEAN FILM ACADEMY BOARD MEETING The European Film Academy is the major European film organisation bringing together leading filmmakers, producers, distributors and other film industry professionals. This year RIGA IFF has the honour of hosting the EFA Board’s annual autumn meeting in Riga. This will also be the Board’s last meeting before the European Film Awards ceremony.

The EFA was founded in 1989 on the initiative of its first president, Ingmar Bergman. The Academy’s long-term aim is to promote European film culture as well as protect and advance the interests of the European film industry. Throughout the year, the EFA initiates and participates in a series of activities dealing with film politics as well as economic, artistic, and training aspects; the most significant EFA event, however, is the annual presentation of the European Film Awards, which this year will take place in Berlin.

During the Board’s visit from October 18 to 20, in addition to the Board meeting there will also be a networking event for EFA Board Members, RIGA IFF FORUM guests, and Latvian film industry professionals.

For the EFA Board Members attending Riga – see rigaiff.lv

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BOARD MEMBERS Agnieszka Holland EFA Board Chairwoman, director, Poland

Mike Downey EFA Board Deputy Chairman, producer and CEO of Film and Music Entertainment (F&ME), United Kingdom

Antonio Saura EFA Board Deputy Chairman, producer, owner of company Zebra, founder of Latido Films, Spain

Graziella Bildesheim Founder and director of Maia Workshops, training programme for emerging European producers, Italy

Tilde Corsi Producer, co-founder of R&C Produzioni, Vice President of Anica and Board Member of ACE, Italy

ValĂŠrie Delpierre Feature and documentary film producer, Spain

Ira Von Gienanth Producer and distributor, Germany

Mike Goodridge Producer, CEO of Protagonist Pictures, member of BAFTA, Artistic Director of the International Film Festival & Awards Macao, United Kingdom

Vanessa Henneman Talent agent, founder of Henneman Agency, the Netherlands

EUROPEAN FILM ACADEMY BOARD MEETING

39

Henning Kamm Producer, managing director at Real Film Berlin, Germany

Baltasar Kormákur Actor, producer and director, founder of Blueeyes Productions, Iceland

Christophe Leparc Secretary General of Director’s Fortnight, Cannes Film Festival, France

Ewa Puszczyńska Producer, Head of Development and Head of International Department at Opus Film, Poland

Àngela Bosh Rius Producer, works for the Spanish audiovisual industry and collaborates with film festivals in the Balearic Islands, Spain

Katriel Schory Executive Director of the Israel Film Fund, Israel

Jim Sheridan Playwright, screenwriter, film director and film producer, Ireland

Ada Solomon Producer, founder of HiFilm, Head of Distribution in Parada Film, member of Europa Cinemas, Romania

Joanna Szymánska Producer at company Shipsboy, Head of Industry at Off Camera Film Festival, Poland

Béatrice Thiriet Composer, France

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EUROPEAN FILM ACADEMY BOARD MEETING

EFA Board Meeting

TEAM

Marion Döring EFA Director

Jürgen Biesinger EFA Producer

A former journalist, she has been connected with the European Film Academy since it started. In 1996, Marion became the Academy’s director. She also acts as the producer of European Film Awards and as one of the two managing directors of EFA Productions GmbH, the company producing the Awards together with the European Film Academy.

Jürgen was working at the Berlin based film production company Egoli Tossell Film. He is the Executive Producer of European Film Awards and also one of the two managing directors of EFA Productions GmbH. He is also executive producer of the EFA Young Audience Award since its launch.

Rainer Pyls EFA Finances & Administration

Bettina Schwarz Coordination EFA Awarding Procedures

Working with the European Film Academy, Head of Finances of the European Film Academy. He has worked as Accountant Manager for the productions companies Road Movies Filmproduktion and Reverse Angle Pictures.

After studying Film and Media Studies and Aesthetics, she worked for several festivals and production companies. She joined the European Film Academy as coordinator of the EFA short film category and training projects. She also coordinates the EFA Awarding Procedures.

EUROPEAN FILM ACADEMY BOARD MEETING

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HOME MADE ANIMATED 43

BALTIC FILM LANDSCAPE The films selected by HOME MADE organically integrate into contemporary world-cinema scene. They strive to reach the viewer across national and linguistic borders, yet are aware and proud of their origins. This year’s programme highlights animation, and even the honour of being the film chosen to be shown at the RIGA IFF Opening Night goes to Away (Projām, 2019), Gints Zilbalodis’ full-length debut in animation. It was premiered at the World Festival of Animated Film Animafest Zagreb in the Feature Film Competition, and won the main prize of the competition Feature Film Contrechamp at the 2019 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

Baltic animation is one of the most popular means of bringing the region’s name into the world. Each of the three Baltic countries differs with its own special approach and method, yet they are united in terms of their unique and high quality artistic work that seamlessly interacts with the director’s masterful technique in visual storytelling. Estonia has always been the most productive of the three countries, but Latvia is quickly catching up, and, after a longer break, Lithuania is also strengthening its game.

This year’s selection brings together the latest and internationally recognised works created by animation filmmakers hailing from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. The full-length films have been created with a younger audience in mind, whereas the short films have been designed for mature adult viewers who are ready for material that is more challenging in terms of visuals and content.

Kaspar Jancis, Henry Nicholson, Riho Unt

CAPTAIN MORTEN AND THE SPIDER QUEEN KAPTEN MORTEN LOLLIDE LAEVAL EE/IE/BE/GB, 2018, 79’, et

One fine day a boy named Morten is magically shrunk to the size of a bug and needs to sail his toy boat through a flooded café. He notices that the ship’s insect crew looks uncannily like his mean aunt and the people she orders around.

Morten has to reassess his relationships, save the crew from shipwreck and take control over his life. Sometimes it takes shrinking in order to grow up.

The first ever stop-motion animated feature film produced in Ireland was developed at Tallinn-based Nukufilm – the oldest and largest stop‑motion studio in Northern Europe. Best Animated Feature award at the Schlingel festival for children and young people (Germany) and a nomination for Best Animation Film at National Film Awards UK. Screenplay: Mike Horelick, Kaspar Jancis Animation: Märt Kivi, Sam Turner Voices: Cian O’Dowd, Brendan Gleeson, Pauline McLynn, Ciarán Hinds Production: Kerdi Kuusik-Oengo, Paul Cummins, Mark Mertens, Robin Lyons, Andrus Raudsalu, Andres Mänd / NUKUFILM / TELEGAEL, GRID ANIMATION, CALON

Splendid Palace Small hall Friday, 18/10 13:00 et

44

en/ru

lv

Edmunds Jansons

Janno Põldma, Heiki Ernits

Roze Stiebra

JĒKABS, MIMMI UN RUNĀJOŠIE SUŅI

LOTTE JA KADUNUD LOHED

SAULE BRAUCA DEBESĪS

LV/PL, 2019, 70’, lv

EE/LV, 2019, 78’, lv

LV, 2018, 75’, lv

Jacob – a boy from the city center – has to spend a week with his bossy cousin Mimmi and ex-pirate uncle Eagle in the Riga’s suburb Maskachka. The boy soon discovers a previously unknown world where the local dogs can talk! But the greedy Imants Rausis wants to turn this romantic district into an impersonal area of skyscrapers. Will the kids and talking dogs manage to team up and save the neighborhood?

Two scientists come to Gadgetville. They are taking part in a big folk song collecting competition. Whoever succeeds in recording the folk song of the world’s oldest animal species, the mythical fire-breathing dragon, wins the competition’s grand prize. The spirited girl dog Lotte and her little sister Roosi decide to help them. Exciting and unexpected adventures await.

When the Sun and Moon’s baby girl is kidnapped, the distraught parents beg humans to retrieve her. Thus Nabašnieks, along with the Girl and her little Brother set out on a journey to face both monsters and their own fears. They have just three days: if the Sun’s daughter is not found, she will lose her magic powers. An exciting adventure follows, during which everyone must prove their courage, wit, exceptional endurance and helpfulness.

JACOB, MIMMI AND THE TALKING DOGS

The plot of Jacob, Mimmi and the Talking Dogs is based on a book called The Story of Maskačka by the Latvian writer Luīze Pastore. This is the artist-director Edmunds Jansons’ first feature film. The animated short films produced by his studio Atom Art have received numerous awards at internationally acclaimed film festivals all over the world.

LOTTE AND THE LOST DRAGONS

This film is the third installment of the Lotte series made in co-production between Estonia (Eesti Joonisfilm) and Latvia (Rija Films). The only animated film in the frame of Estonia’s centennial film programme has become one of the most viewed movies in the country. It was premiered at the Generation Kplus competition section of the 69th Berlin Film Festival.

BEFORE THE DAY BREAKS

A visual poem about Latvia as the daughter of the Sun, who is born in darkness, gets kidnapped but is later released to blossom like a beautiful flower in eternity.

This film is a collaboration between Locomotive Productions and Roze Stiebra, the founder of Latvian hand-drawn animation, director of 62 films.

Screenplay: Līga Gaisa Animation: Mārtiņš Dūmiņš, Kristīne Zvirbule, Līga Skirmane-Ļeščova, Edmunds Jansons Voices: Eduards Olekts, Nora Džumā, Andris Keišs, Kaspars Znotiņš Production: Sabīne Andersone / ATOM ART / LETKO

Screenplay: Janno Põldma, Heiki Ernits, Andrus Kivirähk, Andris Akmentiņš Artists: Heiki Ernits, Laima Puntule Voices: Lueta Meldere, Amēlija Barone, Ilze Ķuzule, Gundars Āboliņš Production: Kalev Tamm, Vilnis Kalnaellis / EESTI JOONISFILM, RIJA FILMS

Screenplay: Roze Stiebra Animation: Dzintars Krūmiņš, Georgs Āva, Valters Mednieks, Sabīne Moore, Artūrs Lācis Voices: Kaspars Znotiņš, Lelde Dreimane, Ance Strazda, Guna Zariņa Production: Roberts Vinovskis / LOCOMOTIVE PRODUCTIONS

Kino Bize Friday, 18/10 14:30

Splendid Palace Small hall Friday, 18/10 16:00

Kino Bize Friday, 18/10 18:00

lv

en

lv

HOME MADE ANIMATED

en

lv

en

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HOME MADE

ANIMATED SHORTS A screening of animated shorts created by authors from the Baltics welcomes adults looking for an extraordinary art experience capable of surprise.

SATURDAY, 19 OCT. 20:30

K.Suns For audiences age 16 and up

Kārlis Vītols

Once upon a time, Rowan, the earl of heaven, woke up old. From that moment on, all his future plans were in the form of the past. A film about a man’s inability to cope with the aging of his body.

THE END BEIGAS LV, 2019, 10’

Screenplay: Kārlis Vītols Animation: Kārlis Vītols Production: Kārlis Vītols, Sniedze Sofija Kāle / STUDIJA KOKLES

Vladimirs Leščovs

While working near a psychiatric clinic, an electrician is struck by an accident. He ends up in this hospital, where he gets accustomed to its everyday routine. In order to return to his previous life, he goes through a process of world creation.

ELECTRICIAN’S DAY ELEKTRIĶA DIENA LV, 2018, 9’

Priit Tender

ORPHEUS EE, 2019, 13’

Screenplay and animation: Vladimirs Leščovs Production: Vladimirs Leščovs / LUNOHOD Orpheus can enchant everyone with his music, including animals and plants.

His song can even rescue his beloved Euredice from the underworld. But there is one condition – until Orpheus reaches the land of the living, he should not look back.

Screenplay: Priit Tender Animation: Ülle Metsur, Tarmo Vaarmets, Maiken Silla, Dag-Ole Solaas, Priit Tender Production: Kalev Tamm / EESTI JOONISFILM

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HOME MADE ANIMATED

Sergei Kibus

TEOFRASTUS EE, 2018, 16’, et

A stray cat Teofrastus finds loving owners.

Accidentally, he jumps down their balcony and gets lost among the very same-looking houses. Will he find his territory again? Or will the cold streets and indifferent looks from the strangers be his lot?

Screenplay: Sergei Kibus Cinematography: Ragnar Neljandi Production: Kerdi Oengo, Andres Mänd / NUKUFILM

Skirmanta Jakaitė

THE JUGGLER LT/FR, 2018, 11’, en/fr

We live in the same house, but in different apartments, jobs, situations, beliefs, visions. We fool ourselves that the world is one and that it exists. A film about the other side of life – the scary one, we never fully grasp, but we know is there.

Screenplay and animation: Skirmanta Jakaitė Production: Agnė Adomėnė, Delphine Schmit / ART SHOT, TRIPODE PRODUCTIONS / PERSPECTIVE FILMS

Liāna Mihailova

VERTIGO LV, 2018, 5’

While having an exciting summer swim and diving one after another in the water at the foot of a cliff, the main character is unexpectedly separated from the rest of his group of friends by an unsurpassable edge of the cliff and amplified experience.

Screenplay and cinematography: Liāna Mihailova Production: LATVIJAS MĀKSLAS AKADĒMIJA

Anu-Laura Tuttelberg

WINTER IN THE RAINFOREST TALV VIHMAMETSAS EE/LT/MX, 2019, 9’

HOME MADE ANIMATED

The tropical rainforests of Mexico and Peru. A unique poetic reality. The eternal dance of life and death as experienced by magical creatures of porcelain – animals, birds, insects and flowers. They are fragile and resilient at the same time.

Screenplay: Anu-Laura Tuttelberg Cinematography: Rodrigo Pérez Alcocer, Anu-Laura Tuttelberg Production: Andres Mänd, Daniel Irabien Peniche, Agnė Adomėnė / NUKUFILM, ESTUDIO CARABÁS, ART SHOT / MOON BIRDS STUDIOS

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RIGA IFF EVENTS

THURSDAY, 17 OCT.

SATURDAY, 19 OCT.

Away national premiere Director – Gints Zilbalodis 19:00 Splendid Palace Large hall Tickets: www.rigaiff.lv

Magnetic Latvia hackathon: creating educational VR content for children and youth

RIGA IFF OPENING NIGHT

FRIDAY, 18 OCT. RIGA IFF GOES VR

Set of four inspirational lectures on the basics of VR storytelling Sara Lisa Vogl, Jessica Driscoll, Mikkel Keldorf, Sonja Bozic Moderator – Eva Brazdžionytė 10:00–15:00 Cafe Film Noir Free admission

MAGNETIC LATVIA FILM CONFERENCE Film market development in Northern Europe 09:00–17:00 AB Dam For registered participants (See www.rigaiff.lv)

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP Portfolio. Participants’ presentations 17:00–19:00 Cafe Film Noir Free admission

RIGA IFF FORUM NETWORKING EVENT 21:00–23:00 Kaņepes Culture Centre With invitations only

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RIGA IFF GOES VR

Moderator – Edgars Simsons 10:00–10:00 (24 h) National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture For registered participants (See www.rigaiff.lv)

MAGNETIC LATVIA FILM CONFERENCE Location tour 09:00–21:00 For registered participants (See www.rigaiff.lv)

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP Co-production Case Studies and Funding Sources Villa Antropoff, Vladimir Leschiov, Kaspar Jancis, Winter in the Rainforest, Anu-Laura Tuttelberg, Olga Bulygo, Lotte and the Lost Dragons, Janno Põldma, Vilnis Kalnaellis, National Film Center of Latvia, Estonian Film Institute, Lithuanian Film Center 11:00–13:30 Cafe Film Noir Free admission

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP

Synergy of Education and Industry (panel discussion) Priit Tender, Dzintars Krūmiņš, Tomas Mitkus, Ilja Bereznickas, Edmunds Jansons 14:30–16:30 Cafe Film Noir Free admission

BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP Selling Shorts to Adults (round table discussion) Mari Kivi, Zane Valeniece, Gytis Oganauskas, Rimantė Daugėlaitė Moderator – Peter Murdmaa 18:00–20:00 Cafe Film Noir Free admission

SUNDAY, 20 OCT. RIGA IFF GOES VR

Hackathon VR project presentations and awards 12:00–16:00 Cafe Film Noir Free admission

THURSDAY, 24 OCT. SHORT RIGA: TEST SCREENINGS I

Baltic short film presentations for experts 13:00–17:00 National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture For registered participants and RIGA IFF badge holders (See www.rigaiff.lv)

SHORT RIGA: WHAT’S UP?

Short film related project presentations 15:00–16:00 Kino Bize For registered participants and RIGA IFF badge holders (See www.rigaiff.lv)

FRIDAY, 25 OCT. SHORT RIGA: TEST SCREENINGS II

Baltic short film presentations for experts 10:30–14:30 National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture For registered participants and RIGA IFF badge holders (See www.rigaiff.lv)

SATURDAY, 26 OCT.

RIGA IFF AWARDS CEREMONY 20:00–22:00 Splendid Palace Small hall With invitations only

SHORT RIGA: WHAT’S UP?

Short film related project presentations 15:00–16:00 Kino Bize For registered participants and RIGA IFF badge holders (See www.rigaiff.lv)

BALTIC MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION & PARTY The only screening of BMV competition programme DJ sets by Artūrs Liepiņš, JAVYBZ and JEN Z 20:00–23:30 Villa C.C. von Stritzky Tickets: www.rigaiff.lv

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RIGA IFF TEAM

EVENTS Paula Bērziņa Coordinator, RIGA IFF FORUM paula@rigaiff.lv

Lelde Prūse Producer of Public Events events@rigaiff.lv

Kristīne Simsone Curator, RIGA IFF GOES VR kristine@rigaiff.lv

Krista Skudra Assistant to Producer of Public Events

Marta Kontiņa Curator, RIGA IFF GOES VR marta@storyhub.lv

Jānis Žagariņš

Production Manager & Technical Supervisor zagarins@gigservice.lv

Elizabete Palasiosa Curator, RIGA IFF GOES VR elizabete@storyhub.lv

Daiga Livčāne

Head of Volunteer Department daiga.livcane@gmail.com

Liene Treimane Festival Director liene@rigaiff.lv

Anna Zača Curator, BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP Curator, SHORT RIGA: Test Screenings anna@rigaiff.lv

Monta Tīģere Volunteer Coordinator

Sonora Broka Artistic Director Head of Film Programme Department sonora@rigaiff.lv

Lauma Kaudzīte Coordinator, BALTIC ANIMATION MEET-UP Coordinator, SHORT RIGA: Test Screenings lauma@rigaiff.lv

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COMMUNICATION Edijs Vucēns Head of Communication Department edijs@rigaiff.lv Kaspars Kursišs Head of Video Department rigaiff.lv & Social Media Content Developer kaspars@rigaiff.lv Inita Sila Media Coordinator press@rigaiff.lv

Asnāte Vasiļjeva Head of Translations Department Editor of Catalogue and Industry Guide asnate@rigaiff.lv Ilze Ella Negribe Catalogue Editor’s Assistant Krists Kondrāts

Website Developer

Ervins Broks

RIGA IFF Award Designer Artūrs Liepiņš

RIGA IFF Audio Artist Andrejs Strokins Photographer

AUDIENCE & GUEST SERVICES Jana Pakalna Head of Guest Services jana@rigaiff.lv Sandra Sarkane Coordinator of Guest Services guests@rigaiff.lv

Kaspars Kondratjuks Admissions Department Supervisor

Ernestīne Pavlova, Kristīne Pleša Admissions Centre Assistants

Kristafers Zeiļuks Admissions, Ticket Sales & Info Centre Manager admissions@rigaiff.lv

LEGAL Elīna Grūbe Legal Advisor Financial Manager elina@rigaiff.lv

Aija Bērziņa Chairwoman of the Board Liene Treimane Member of the Board

info@rigaiff.lv Postal address: Baznīcas iela 8-20 Rīga, LV-1010 Latvia

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SUPPORTERS

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