The Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) has received 14 applications this year under the Foreign Film Production Support Programme. Of these, ten projects from seven countries will be recommended for state support. In addition, two projects will receive funding through the Major International Event Support Programme.
“Foreign film production in Latvia is a significant contribution to the development of the creative industries. This approach not only strengthens Latvia’s position in the international film market but also fosters local business growth and innovation, making the country an attractive destination. Importantly, both the film and major event programmes attract investments that return to the state budget through taxes in greater amounts than the original public investment,” emphasizes Ieva Jāgere, Director of LIAA.
The total investment in the ten selected film projects is expected to reach €38.6 million, with state co-financing planned at €4.93 million. The implementation of the two major event projects will involve a total investment of €2.5 million, of which €690,000 will come from state support.
Out of the 14 applications received for the foreign film support competition, 10 met the programme’s criteria. These projects represent seven countries: Denmark, France, Germany (2), Estonia (3), Monaco, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
The amount of state co-financing for each film project ranges from €75,000 to €1 million.
In the major event programme, three projects were submitted, one of which was withdrawn. The remaining two projects qualified for support.
The total funding allocated for the foreign film production programme over the next three years is €15.2 million, while the major events programme will receive €8.4 million. Each foreign film project can receive up to 30% co-financing of eligible expenses.
To date, LIAA has allocated €5.28 million in co-financing for 24 film projects. These supported projects have already generated €5.67 million in tax revenue for the state, demonstrating a positive fiscal impact.
Films shot in Latvia have also achieved international success. This year, two state-supported films produced in Latvia have been included in the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival: “The Two Prosecutors” by Sergei Loznitsa and “Disappearance” by Kirill Serebrennikov.
Each year, LIAA, together with industry professionals, represents the Latvian film sector at the Berlin and Cannes film festivals and organizes media visits and other initiatives to promote Latvia as a filming destination.
