Since 2022, the Artdocfest / Riga Pitching Session has been an industry section of the International Documentary Film Festival IDFF Artdocfest / Riga.
The next pitching session will take place in May 2026.
Applications are accepted from 10 December 2025 to 15 March 2026 (inclusive). Application form here >>>
Projects by authors from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus are eligible for participation. In exceptional cases, applicants from other countries may be considered—provided that the project’s theme is directly connected to the history, culture, or contemporary context of the above-mentioned regions.
The regional definition is strictly geocultural and aims to support documentary filmmakers working with themes related to post-Soviet legacies, societal transformations, local identities, new social realities, and interregional connections.
The selection results and the venue of the final pitching session will be announced on 15 April 2026.
Up to 12 documentary projects will be selected for the in-person final pitching session. Some authors may also be granted “observer” status.
Artdocfest / Fund has been created to directly support independent documentary filmmakers. The fund's resources are distributed in the form of grants among the projects selected for the final of Artdocfest / Riga Pitching.
Project supported by: New Generation Europe Foundation.
Grants are provided in the form of:
• direct financing for film development or production;
• payment for services, equipment purchase, rights clearance, or fees required for the implementation of the project.
Receiving support does not imply the transfer of rights to the films being created.
For authors from Russia and Belarus, an additional form of assistance may be offered—accompaniment by studios operating under international jurisdictions.
The winners of the pitching session will be determined by an international jury composed of leading industry representatives experienced in working with projects from the regions represented at the pitching.
Artdocfest / Riga covers travel and accommodation costs for authors of selected projects. However, the possibility of in-person participation will depend on the border-crossing rules and visa regulations in force at the time of the pitching session.