As part of the official programme Riga IFF hosts an international competition of feature length films completed until August 1 in the countries accross the Baltic sea. It is required for the submitted film to not have been premiered in Latvia until the festival (with the exception of Latvian films – for these a national premiere in the festival is welcome, but not mandatory). Submission deadline – June 13.
Apart from the film being a feature length cinematic experience the competition is not restricted in any other form – the festival will consider documentary, fiction, animation or any cross-over projects focusing on vivid artistic individuality, creative exploration, innovative cinematic language. The selected titles are to be announced at the festival homepage by the end of August.
In total eight films are to be selected to be screened at the festival before the audience and an international jury consisting of 5 film professionals. The jury are to choose one title for the Riga IFF Award and additionally – include another title as Special Mention. The awards are presented at the Closing Event which takes place on the second Saturday evening of the festival.