As part of the U.S. film industry program organized by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) for a trade mission of Latvian businesspeople, Latvian film companies and professionals will present filming, international co-productions, animation, and post-production services. The overall trade mission will run through September 27 during President Edgars Rinkēvičs’ working visit.
Film industry representatives are meeting with representatives of U.S. film studios, streaming platforms, and content companies. During these meetings, Latvian companies are presenting specific projects and their production capabilities, seeking co-production and distribution partners, and discussing opportunities to host the filming of foreign films and TV series in Latvia.
The visit comes at a time when the international recognition of Latvian cinema has grown significantly. The animated film “Straume” won an Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, while Danish director Maja el-Tukī’s film “The Unknown Woman,” most of which was shot in Riga, won the top prize—the “Golden Lion”—at the Venice International Film Festival.
Latvia’s offerings are complemented by the LIAA’s foreign film support program, which can cover up to 30% of eligible costs in Latvia for qualifying film, TV series, and animation projects.
“Film production isn’t just about premieres and awards—it’s a service export industry. In 2025, Latvia’s service exports to the U.S. reached 510 million euros and grew by 10%, making the U.S. our fifth-largest market for service exports. LIAA co-financing for 37 foreign film projects exceeded 9.97 million euros, while export revenues from these projects in Latvia reached 42.1 million euros and more than 8.84 million euros were paid in taxes. “In Los Angeles, Latvian companies are offering U.S. producers specific projects, professional teams, and the opportunity to produce films in Latvia,” emphasizes Raivis Bremšmits, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics.
From International Recognition to Upcoming Projects
Latvian film professionals have experience working on international projects at every stage of production—from project development and co-production to filming, animation, and post-production. Alongside *Straume* and *The Unknown Woman*, this is also evidenced by Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, *Chronology of Water*, which was filmed in Latvia and had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
“In California, producers ask very practical questions: Is there a suitable team in Latvia? Can the project be completed on time and within budget? And what kind of support is available for it? The production of the film *The Unknown Woman* provides a concrete answer—25 of the 28 shooting days took place in Riga, most of the work was done by a Latvian crew, and the LIAA program can cover up to 30% of eligible costs in Latvia for foreign projects. “Our task on this trade mission is to organize meetings with industry decision-makers. The companies themselves present their projects and determine with whom and about what kind of collaboration they wish to discuss,” notes LIAA Director Ieva Jāgere.
“Straume” opens discussions on future animation projects
The international success of “Straume” has drawn the attention of the U.S. film industry to Latvian filmmakers, producers, and animation professionals. In Los Angeles, members of the delegation will use this recognition to present upcoming projects, discuss co-productions and securing funding, and seek partners for film distribution and promotion in the U.S. market.
“The success of ‘Straume’ has firmly established Latvia in the history of global independent animation, and many major Hollywood studios and distributors are interested in collaborating with the ‘Straume’ team on future projects. We are currently working intensively on Gints Zilbalodis’s next animated film, *Limbo*, which is set to be released in 2028 and for which the U.S. market will be particularly important in order for Latvian cinema to reach an even wider audience than before. “Although the film will hit the screens in just under two years, it’s already essential to develop a distribution strategy that will ensure its success,” says Matīss Kaža, co-writer and producer of the film “Straume,” commenting on his goals as part of the LIAA trade mission.
Filming Locations and Production Services
Latvian companies can provide foreign producers with local production and creative teams, location scouting, access to studios and outdoor locations, set construction, technical support, and post-production services. Film production also generates business for transportation companies, hotels, caterers, security firms, and other service providers.
Latvia also offers “Cinevilla Studios,” where foreign projects have access to filming locations, modular sets, soundstages, technical support, a professional crew, and accommodation options for film crews—all in one place.
“Latvia can compete for the production of major international films and TV series. We have diverse natural landscapes and architecture from various eras, professional crews, 12-hour shooting days, and competitive costs. An additional advantage is the cash rebate program, which reimburses producers for a portion of their expenses incurred in Latvia. Millions of euros flow in with film productions, and when a project comes to Latvia, it creates jobs not only for film professionals but also for hotels, caterers, transportation companies, construction firms, artists’ studios, tailors, equipment suppliers, and even horse grooms. This is an export of services that creates jobs and tax revenue. “Our goal in Los Angeles is to ensure that U.S. film projects, along with their budgets, come to Latvia,” emphasizes Andrejs Ēķis, head of “Cinevilla Studios,” producer, and director.
Meetings with U.S. film and content companies
From September 23 to 25, a series of business meetings will take place in Los Angeles with representatives from Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. Discovery, The Walt Disney Company, Lionsgate, San Diego State University, and the University of California, San Diego’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization. Latvian companies will present their projects and services and discuss film production in Latvia, international co-productions, animation, post-production, and content distribution.
The LIAA has prepared a film industry program and organized meetings based on the interests indicated by the delegation members. The companies themselves will determine the content of the discussions, their projects, and the desired terms of cooperation. Following the visit, they will continue working with partners with whom they have identified specific areas for cooperation. LIAA will support the maintenance of these contacts and provide information about the U.S. market and available support instruments for exports, investments, and film production.
Latvian Film Industry Delegation
The film industry program includes “Nafta Films,” “RED DOT MEDIA,” “Mistrus Media,” “Trickster Pictures,” “Baltic Pine Films,” “CINEVILLA FILMS,” “Angels Films Studio,” “Ierakstu Māja,” and the Latvian Film Services Producers Association.
The delegation’s offerings include film and TV series production, international co-productions, animation, film locations and studio infrastructure, set construction, technical support, sound and image post-production, and content distribution.
The film industry program is part of the Latvian business trade mission to the U.S. organized by the LIAA, which will take place from September 23 to 27 in New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Separate sector-specific itineraries have also been prepared for representatives of the life sciences, defense and dual-use technologies, and startups.
The LIAA organizes participation in this international trade mission as part of the European Union-co-financed Program for the Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), with support from the European Regional Development Fund and state funding. A company may participate in the trade mission either by paying a fee or by receiving support to cover eligible expenses.
