Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF)

Overview

The Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) is Iceland's most important film festival. Founded in 2004 and held annually in late September and early October in Reykjavik, the festival screens approximately 100 films from around the world over 11 days and serves as the primary platform for international art house cinema and Icelandic filmmaking.

Reykjavik provides an extraordinary cultural context for a film festival. Iceland's dramatic natural landscape, its small but highly educated and culturally active population, and its unique position between Europe and North America give the festival a distinctive character. Icelandic cinema, despite the country's small population, has produced internationally recognized filmmakers and films that have competed at major European festivals.

The festival programs with a strong emphasis on bold, unconventional filmmaking that resonates with Iceland's own maverick creative culture. The Shadow City Award is the competitive prize, named after Reykjavik's nickname.

Key Sections

• Shadow City Competition -- international features competing for the main prize
• Icelandic Films -- a showcase for new Icelandic cinema
• Documentary Program -- nonfiction features and shorts
• New Visions -- formally innovative and experimental works
• Children's Program -- films for younger audiences

What Filmmakers Should Know

RIFF accepts open submissions. The festival is particularly receptive to bold, unconventional cinema. For Icelandic filmmakers, RIFF is the most important domestic platform.

Major Awards

• Shadow City Award -- Best Film in the Competition
• Special Jury Prize
• Audience Award

Festival History

RIFF was founded in 2004 and has grown into one of Scandinavia's most distinctive regional festivals, building a reputation for adventurous programming in an environment that encourages creative risk-taking.

See Also

For Nordic cinema, see International Film Markets. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.