Riga International Film Festival Announces Winners of its Season

Riga International Film Festival concluded its season, awarding bronze rooster statuettes and prizes to top cinematic works across its competitive tracks. Sunniva Eira Tangvīka Kveima won the feature film competition with her debut movie Nipster.

Feature Film Competition Winners And Jury Accolades

Seventy-four cinematic works and upcoming projects competed for awards provided by festival supporters including BBRental, BBPostHouse, Laik/a Casting, SWH, Lights On, and Studio BEEP. Over eleven days, the juries evaluated nine Baltic Sea region feature films, 31 short films from Latvia and around the world, and 11 music videos created by Baltic directors and musicians.

Sunniva Eira Tangvīka Kveima secured the top feature film prize for Nipster. The festival jury noted that the debut film addresses an uncomfortable topic in a provocative and unexpected manner by blending thriller, found family, and coming-of-age elements. The film examines contemporary indoctrination and surveillance culture through social media collages and phone records against a backdrop of rising xenophobia.

Šī pārdrošā filma žūrijas uzmanību pievērsa ar neērtas tēmas skaršanu valdzinoši provokatīvā un negaidītā veidā.

Riga IFF Feature Film Competition Jury

Short Film And National Competition Results

In the Short Film National Competition, Tīna Zariņa won the primary award for yolo. The jury commended the film for its sensitive and fragile exploration of mortality, grief, and complex family relationships. Andrejs Brīvulis received a national competition jury mention for the visually engaging work Rīgas līnijas.

For the Short Film International Competition, Luka Galešičs took top honors with Zakrpa (Ielāps). The jury highlighted the film’s claustrophobic yet intimate atmosphere and its stark portrayal of a strained mother-daughter relationship. Ronijs Šalevs earned an international competition jury mention for 2:Love, which the jury characterized as an unconventional and visually striking love story.

Closing Events And Industry Showcase Honors

The awards ceremony featured musical performances by percussionist Artūrs Cukanovs and rapper galeniex, celebrating the festival slogan You are here (Tu esi šeit). Alongside the main competition winners, the event honored laureates from the Riga IFF Forum sections, specifically Riga IFF Showcase and Short Riga Test Screenings.