The Reykjavík International Film Festival, one of Iceland’s largest and most diverse cultural events celebrating independent films from over 40 different countries each year, has received a substantial grant of nearly over $60,000 from the European Union to put on its 17th annual event. Out of 100 festivals in Europe, RIFF is one of around 30 to receive the “Creative Europe – Media” grant.
“It’s a great honour for us to receive this grant and confirms our work during the past years. RIFF has become well known internationally and has a certain authenticity among professionals in Europe. We are now forming the programme according to a new situation in the society. People will for sure be wanting to seek entertainment outside of their homes again, but we will also offer alternative ways to show our movies,” says Hrönn Marinósdóttir, director of RIFF.
The program will be published later this summer on RIFF’s website and social media. RIFF is also funded by the government, companies and various organizations. Furthermore, RIFF has become a founding member of a European network called Europa film festivals. The network is a cooperation of ten other prominent film festivals including Galway Film Fleadh in Ireland, Geneva International Film Festival in Switzerland, Festival de films CINE MANIA in Canada, Midnight Sun Film Festival in Finland, Filmfest Hamburg in Germany and the Dutch festival Noordelijk Film Festival. The primary purpose of the network is to formalize a system for sharing information, strategies and culture among festivals that will represent a strong voice in Europe. It will shape, develop, reach and agree common positions and perspectives on key issues. The network will be able to develop resources, business models, best practices and information exchange infrastructures to support members in the emerging film ecosystem, providing a unique opportunity to strengthen film festivals.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the festival program on RIFF’s website here and let us know what you think of the films in the comments.
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