Riga IFF main prize – for the documentary film “Slowly Burning Earth Songs” by the Ukrainian director Olha Zhurba

The magnificent awards ceremony, directed this year by the director Gerd Lapoškas, and hosted by the National Theater and Cinema actor Igor Šelegovskis, gathered in the main venue of the festival, the Splendid Palace cinema, not a -only the nominated filmmakers, jury representatives and industry professionals, but also festival visitors and guests.

Olha Žurba’s documentary film was recognized as the winner of the festival’s main competition, the Riga IFF feature film competition, the bronze statue created by artist Ervin Brock and the prize of 10,000 euros. “Songs of the Slow Burning Earth” (“Songs of the Slow Burning Earth”). The jury described it as “a moving film that shows the harsh reality of the war outside the front of the war with an unbroken spirit and in an honest, respectful way. ” On the other hand, the jury’s special recognition award went to the film directed by Laurin Bareiš “dry drowning” (“Drowning Dry”) – “an interesting and suspenseful drama with strong characters and a positive view of modern society.”

In the national short film competition of the festival, in which 9 short films from Latvia competed for the main prize and a cash prize of 1,000 euros, the short film by director Robert Vanagas was recognized as the winner. “North Pole” (“North Pole”). The representatives of the jury explain it: “With clear writing and flashes of poetry, which can transform the famous in rare moments of the day or night, an atmospheric world is created that shows a fresh, new voice of Baltic cinema”.

On the other hand, Oleksiy Radinski’s short film was chosen as the best among 25 entries in an international short film competition. “Where does Russia end” (“Where Russia Ends”) – “An important work in restoring collective memory with archival materials. In detail, carefully designed to protect the visibility and history of the native population of Russia from imperial destruction and environmental destruction – a hot topic in today’s Europe”. The creators received a competition prize and a cash prize of 2,000 euros. The jury expressed special thanks for the work of Quirein Dés “Jimbob’s Carabinieri” (“Pubert Jimbob”) – “When the world seems to have fallen apart and the strange thing that you have, this film is going to be a healing source of fantasy, energy and fun. This special thesis that ‘demonstrates the kaleidoscopic power of animation at its strangest and best.’ Ada Burkšaita’s short film has been nominated for the prestigious European Film Academy award “European Short Film 2025” “Pen for the left hand” (“Left-handed pen”). Commenting on the work, the jury said that “there is precious time here. With the tension of a thriller and a convention chosen in detail, this film does not waste a second, allowing us an intimate story of to see hope and despair – this is the work of a European leader from whom we hope to see more in the future.”

The video for the German post-punk group’s song “Smile” created by director Anna Ansone was chosen as the winner in the Baltic music video competition. “protection”who received the festival prize and a cash bonus worth 1000 euros. In justifying their decision, the members of the jury said: “We choose this music video because it has found the perfect balance – complete, simple and flawless, just like pasta on to do well. Sometimes we try to impress the world with a complex feeling, but this video reminded us that simplicity is the true key to excellence.” The jury of the Music Video Competition Baltic has expressed special thanks for the video made by the director Anton Georg Graudas for the song of the music project “Zvīņas” “In My Nose”saying that “creative, visual language, a certain spirituality, and even a collection of flies come together wonderfully – this video surprised us from the very beginning. We can’t wait to see where the director’s talent will take him in the next thing!” On the other hand, the main prize of the audience assessment organized in collaboration with Radio SWH – the opportunity to organize an advertising campaign on Radio SWH airwaves worth 1,000 euros – was won by members of the group “Kedrostubūras” “It’s ok” (director Elze Vozbinaite) creative team.

The laureates were also announced in the category “Riga IFF Forum” dedicated to the cinema industry and its professionals. prize – post-production services worth EUR 5,000 “Where does the sun sleep at night?”. “Short Riga Test Screenings” experts described it as a film that “makes folk music reset in rooms without windows, where workers find meaning in rituals and repetition, surrounded by old furniture and technology”. On the other hand, special recognition was given to the short film directed by Jēkabs Okonov and Aivars Šaičanas “Crowd”. “Unexpected events, happy coincidences and the many forms of new-born friendship weave into a story created by three powerful people who are united by strong bonds and an attractive aura,” said experts on the film.

At the same time, among the full-length and multi-series film projects presented on the film market and co-production platform “Riga IFF Showcase”, the international jury on a full-length film project time to choose Valerija Sočivets as the winner. “court”“a sparse, stripped-down relationship drama with two well-developed main characters.”. On the other hand, a multi-part feature film project by Dom Petronis and Tjagu Gedeš was selected to be shown at the film market in Zagreb, “New European Market Zagreb”. “cold”– “a detailed, well-designed and attention-grabbing project with a clear international appeal. It reflects a crucial moment in European history that responds to the challenges we face today.”

The cinema festival will continue in the Riga IFF cinema halls until the evening of October 27 – on Sunday, internationally recognized cinematography will be shown on the screens of “Splendid Palace” and “Forum Cinemas”. Also some RIGA IFF films on the online platform online.rigaiff.lv In the Latvian region it can be enjoyed until 23.59 on October 27.

The festival is created with the support of the State Cultural Capital Fund, the EU program “Creative Europe – MEDIA”, Riga City Council and the National Cinema Center.

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