Riga International Film Festival – Latvia 2025

Background & History

The Riga International Film Festival (RIGA IFF), established in 2014, is one of Latvia’s premier cultural events, celebrating its 12th edition in 2025. With the mission to promote Riga as a cinematic hub, enrich northern European cultural spaces, and foster an intelligent, open society, RIGA IFF showcases over 100 films from the Baltic Sea region, Nordic countries, and global cinema. Held annually in Riga, it draws ~15,000 attendees, offering a platform for bold, innovative films, including contemporary works, classics, and debut features.

The festival includes competitions for feature films, shorts, and music videos, judged by international juries, with awards like the EUR 1,000 Short Film prize and a nomination for the European Short Film – Prix Vimeo 2026. Supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation, National Film Centre, and Riga City Council, RIGA IFF also hosts industry events (RIGA IFF FORUM) to encourage professional collaborations and discussions on cinema’s future. The 2025 edition, under the motto “SEE. SHIFT. BECOME,” promises a vibrant program with world premieres and accessibility-focused initiatives.

Event Highlights

• Film Screenings: Over 100 screenings across genres, including feature films, shorts, and music videos from festivals like Cannes, Berlin, and Venice. Highlights include Baltic premieres (e.g., Latvia’s The End by Māra Maskalāns, Lithuania’s Toxic by Saulė Bliuvaitė) and the KIDS’ REEL program for children (16–26 Oct, ticketed, ~$7.54–$9.86 USD).
• Competitions: Four sections—Feature Film, Short Film (National/International), Baltic Music Video (BMV)—judged by international juries. Awards include EUR 1,000 for the best short film and a Prix Vimeo 2026 nomination (16–26 Oct, ticketed).
• RIGA IFF FORUM: Industry events at Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel, including workshops, panels, and networking for film professionals (16–26 Oct, FORUM Pass, accreditation opens Aug 2025).
• KIDS’ REEL: Family-friendly screenings with animated and live-action films for children (~$5.80 USD, family ticket ~$18.56 USD, 16–26 Oct).
• Online Screenings: Select films available nationwide via online.rigaiff.lv (~$6.96 USD, 16–26 Oct).
• Cultural Events: Talks, Q&As with filmmakers, and book launches at venues like the National Library of Latvia (free/ticketed, speculative, 16–26 Oct).
• Accessibility Features: Subtitles with closed captioning, headphone translations, and wheelchair-accessible seating at select venues (e.g., Splendid Palace, contact atbalsts@rigaiff.lv).

Date & Duration

• Date: 16–26 October 2025 (Thursday–Sunday).
• Duration: 11 days, with screenings and events daily.
• Opening Times:
  • Daily: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM (screenings, main venues).
  • Industry events (RIGA IFF FORUM): 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (speculative, Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel).
  • Opening Night: 16 Oct, 7:00 PM (Splendid Palace, ticketed, ~$9.86 USD, speculative).
  • Closing Ceremony: 26 Oct, 7:00 PM (Forum Cinemas, ticketed, ~$9.86 USD, speculative).
• Note: Full schedule announced Sep 2025 at rigaiff.lv or online.rigaiff.lv. Some events (e.g., Opening Night) require specific tickets; KIDS’ REEL is family-friendly; late screenings may be N18.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venues:
  • Splendid Palace: 61 Elizabetes iela, Riga, LV-1050 (main cinema, most screenings).
  • Forum Cinemas: 8 13 janvāra iela, Riga, LV-1050 (multiple sections).
  • K.Suns: 83/85 Elizabetes iela, Riga, LV-1050 (select screenings).
  • National Library of Latvia: 3 Mūkusalas iela, Riga, LV-1048 (cultural events).
  • Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel: 73 Elizabetes iela, Riga, LV-1050 (RIGA IFF FORUM).
  • Benjamin House: 12 K. Barona iela, Riga, LV-1050 (entrance from Alfrēda Kalniņa iela, select screenings).
• Administrative Contact: RIGA IFF, Baznīcas iela 8-20, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia; info@rigaiff.lv; +371 22518890 (Client Support Centre, 12:00 PM–9:00 PM daily).
• Note: Splendid Palace and Forum Cinemas are wheelchair-accessible; K.Suns and Benjamin House have limited access (stairs). Contact atbalsts@rigaiff.lv for accessibility needs. Parking at Elizabetes iela (~50 spaces, ~$2–$5 USD/day, speculative) or public lots (~100 spaces, ~$3–$6 USD/day, 5-minute walk). Maps at rigaiff.lv.

Contact Information

• Email: info@rigaiff.lv (general inquiries); support@rigaiff.lv (ticketing, accessibility); press@rigaiff.lv (media).
• Phone: +371 22518890 (Client Support Centre, 12:00 PM–9:00 PM daily).
• Website: rigaiff.lv (program, tickets); online.rigaiff.lv (online screenings); ubc.net (additional info).
• Social Media: @RigaIFF (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X). Newsletter signup at rigaiff.lv.
• Leadership:
  • Liene Treimane (Festival Director, liene@rigaiff.lv).
  • Sonora Broka (Artistic Director, sonora@rigaiff.lv).
  • Marta Luīza Treimane (Project Coordinator, marta@rigaiff.lv).
  • Elīna Grūbe (Legal/Financial Manager, elina@rigaiff.lv).
• Ticketing: Purchase via rigaiff.lv (Sep 2025) or on-site (cash/card, limited). Free companion tickets for 1st/2nd group impairment attendees (book via support@rigaiff.lv).

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Purchase online at rigaiff.lv (Sep 2025) or on-site at Splendid Palace, Forum Cinemas (cash/card, limited). Booking fees ~€1–€2 ≈ $1.16–$2.32 USD. Concessions for students, seniors, and under-10s are free for KIDS’ REEL with adult supervision (parental consent required). E-tickets recommended; allow 24–48 hours for support response (support@rigaiff.lv).
• 2025 Pricing (USD, €1 ≈ $1.16):
  • Regular Screening: €6.50–€8.50 ≈ $7.54–$9.86 USD.
  • Discounted Screening (students, seniors): €5.50–€7.50 ≈ $6.38–$8.70 USD.
  • Online Screening: €6 ≈ $6.96 USD (nationwide access via online.rigaiff.lv).
  • KIDS’ REEL (Individual): €5 ≈ $5.80 USD.
  • KIDS’ REEL Family Ticket: €16 ≈ $18.56 USD (up to 4 people).
  • Festival Pass: €120 ≈ $139.20 USD (all on-site screenings, including Opening Night).
  • 10-Ticket Pack (Early Bird): €60–€80 ≈ $69.60–$92.80 USD (10 screenings, excl. Opening Night, sold out in 2024).
  • FORUM Pass: ~€50–€80 ≈ $58–$92.80 USD (industry events, accreditation opens Aug 2025, speculative).
  • Festival & FORUM Pass: ~€150–€200 ≈ $174–$232 USD (all screenings and industry events, opens Aug 2025, speculative).
  • Media Pass: Free for accredited media (excl. Opening/Closing, apply via press@rigaiff.lv).
  • Programme: ~€3–€5 ≈ $3.48–$5.80 USD (on-site, cash, includes schedule, film notes).
  • Donations: Optional, ~$2.50–$12.50 USD for local arts programs (speculative).
• Ticket Range:
  • EUR: €5–€200.
  • USD: ~$5.80–$232 USD.
• Note: Pricing per user data and rigaiff.lv. Free companion tickets for accessibility needs. 10-Ticket Pack often sells out; book early (Sep 2025). Online screenings are available throughout Latvia. Check rigaiff.lv for updates.

Cultural Experience

RIGA IFF transforms Riga into a cinematic hub, blending Baltic and Nordic films with global festival hits in historic venues like Splendid Palace. Its motto, “SEE. SHIFT. BECOME,” reflects its focus on immersive storytelling and cultural dialogue. From Baltic premieres to family-friendly KIDS’ REEL screenings, the festival fosters inclusivity and innovation, connecting audiences and filmmakers in Latvia’s UNESCO-listed capital.

Food & Drinks

• Event Venues: Concession stands at Splendid Palace, Forum Cinemas offer snacks (popcorn, sandwiches, ~$2–$6 USD), coffee, soft drinks (~$1–$3 USD), and local beers (~$3–$5 USD, age 19+). Water stations are available.
• Nearby Dining:
  • Lido (Elizabetes iela 65, LV-1050, traditional Latvian, $5–$15 USD, 2-minute walk from Splendid Palace).
  • Double Coffee (13 janvāra iela 10, LV-1050, café fare, $4–$10 USD, 1-minute walk from Forum Cinemas).
  • Rozengrāls (Rozena iela 1, LV-1050, medieval Latvian, $10–$20 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs (Peldu iela 19, LV-1050, Latvian pub, $8–$18 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Beer and wine at venue bars (~$3–$5 USD, age 19+). Nearby bars like Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs offer local craft beers (~$4–$6 USD).

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: KIDS’ REEL screenings (all-ages, ~$5.80 USD, family ticket ~$18.56 USD). Under-10s free with adult supervision (parental consent required). General screenings suitable for ages 12+; some films may be N18 (check rigaiff.lv).
• Accessibility: Splendid Palace and Forum Cinemas offer wheelchair-accessible seating (limited, book via support@rigaiff.lv). Subtitles with closed captioning and headphone translations available for select films. Free companion tickets for 1st/2nd group impairment attendees. K.Suns and Benjamin House have limited access (stairs). Assistance dogs allowed. Contact atbalsts@rigaiff.lv for specific needs.

Getting There

• By Air: Riga International Airport (RIX, 6 miles, 20-minute drive, $10–$15 USD by taxi).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Riga Central Station (1 mile, $1–$3 USD, 5-minute taxi or 15-minute walk). See www.ldz.lv.
  • Bus: Lines 22, 23 to 13 janvāra iela (~$1 USD, 2-minute walk to Forum Cinemas). Tickets via www.rigassatiksme.lv.
  • Trolleybus: Lines 9, 14 to Elizabetes iela (~$1 USD, 2-minute walk to Splendid Palace).
• By Car: Parking at Elizabetes iela (~50 spaces, ~$2–$5 USD/day) or public lots (~100 spaces, ~$3–$6 USD/day, 5-minute walk). Car-sharing via CityBee (~$10 USD/day).
• By Bike/Foot: 10-minute walk from Riga Old Town to Splendid Palace. Bike racks at venues (~10–20 spaces, free).
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Bolt/Uber ($5–$10 USD from city center). Local taxis (+371 8000 8000, ~$5–$15 USD).

Program Details

• Sep 2025: Full program, film lineup, and ticket sales at rigaiff.lv or online.rigaiff.lv.
• 16 Oct (Speculative):
  • 7:00 PM: Opening Night (Splendid Palace, ticketed, ~$9.86 USD).
  • 12:00 PM–10:00 PM: Feature Film and Short Film screenings (Splendid Palace, Forum Cinemas).
• 17–25 Oct (Speculative):
  • 10:00 AM–6:00 PM: RIGA IFF FORUM (Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel, industry events).
  • 12:00 PM–10:00 PM: Screenings (all venues), KIDS’ REEL (Forum Cinemas), cultural events (National Library).
• 26 Oct (Speculative):
  • 12:00 PM–7:00 PM: Final screenings, KIDS’ REEL.
  • 7:00 PM: Closing Ceremony (Forum Cinemas, ticketed, ~$9.86 USD).
• Note: Schedule speculative, based on web:1, web:3, web:14. Some screenings N18; KIDS’ REEL all-ages. Full details Sep 2025.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024: Premieres of The End (Māra Maskalāns), Termini (Laila Pakalniņa), Toxic (Saulė Bliuvaitė), Drowning Dry (Laurynas Bareiša), ~15,000 attendees (web:14).
• 2023: Baltic Music Video Competition, Short Film National/International winners, ~12,000 attendees.
• 2022: Focus on Nordic Highlights, Home Made Premieres, ~10,000 attendees (web:21).

Educational Impact

• Workshops: RIGA IFF FORUM offers panels on filmmaking, distribution, and trends (FORUM Pass, speculative, 16–26 Oct).
• Programme: ~$3.48–$5.80 USD, includes film notes, schedule, venue maps (on-site, cash).
• Exhibitions: Film-related displays and book launches at the National Library of Latvia (free/ticketed, speculative).

Cultural Activities

• Screenings: Feature films, shorts, Baltic music videos (ticketed, Splendid Palace, Forum Cinemas).
• KIDS’ REEL: Animated and live-action films for children (Forum Cinemas, ~$5.80–$18.56 USD).
• Industry Events: Panels, networking at RIGA IFF FORUM (Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel, FORUM Pass).
• Q&As: Filmmaker discussions post-screenings (free with ticket, speculative).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Festival Pass (€120) and 10-Ticket Pack sell out; book via rigaiff.lv (Sep 2025). Accommodation fills quickly; reserve 6–12 months via www.booking.com or www.liveriga.com.
• Weather Prep: October (40–50°F, possible rain); bring warm layers, waterproof shoes.
• Explore Locally: Riga Old Town (UNESCO, free, 10-minute walk), St. Peter’s Church ($5 USD, 10-minute walk), House of the Blackheads ($7 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Public Transport: Riga City Card ($20–$40 USD) for discounts on transport, attractions. See www.rigassatiksme.lv.
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at rigaiff.lv. Follow @RigaIFF for updates.

Local Attractions

• Riga Old Town: UNESCO site, free (10-minute walk, LV-1050).
• St. Peter’s Church: $5 USD, panoramic views (10-minute walk, LV-1050).
• House of the Blackheads: $7 USD, historical museum (10-minute walk, LV-1050).
• Latvian National Museum of Art: $6 USD (15-minute walk, J. Rozentāla laukums 1, LV-1010).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel ($100–$180 USD/night, 73 Elizabetes iela, LV-1050, 2-minute walk).
  • Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga ($150–$250 USD/night, Aspazijas bulvāris 22, LV-1050, 10-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Neiburgs Hotel ($80–$150 USD/night, Jauniela 25/27, LV-1050, 10-minute walk).
• Hostels: Cinnamon Sally Backpackers ($20–$50 USD/night, Merķeļa iela 1, LV-1050, 5-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Apartments ($30–$100 USD/night, Old Town or Elizabetes iela).

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Splendid Palace, Forum Cinemas; nearest hospital is Riga 1st Hospital (Bruņinieku iela 5, 15-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at venues; no glass bottles or weapons. Contact support@rigaiff.lv for concerns.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks optional. COVID-19 policies TBD at rigaiff.lv (Sep 2025).
• Safety Tips: Secure valuables; stay hydrated (free water stations).