The Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) will accept project applications for the fifth selection round of the support program for foreign films and major events from November 25, 2026, through January 11, 2027. A total of 4.24 million euros will be available in 2027 to attract new international projects. The program’s goal is to promote the inflow of foreign investment, the export of services, and Latvia’s international recognition.
“The international recognition of films made in Latvia—from awards in Venice and Cannes to premieres in Toronto—demonstrates the ability of our film professionals to carry out world-class projects. Every international project filmed in Latvia provides work for our specialists, generates business for local companies, and contributes to Latvia’s economy. The new call for proposals offers an opportunity to attract new international projects and investments, building on our experience to date and the international recognition we have earned. “Our goal is to ensure that Latvia increasingly becomes the first choice for international producers,” emphasizes Ieva Jāgere, Director of the LIAA.
International producers are planning new projects in Latvia
Several new international film projects are planned for Latvia. Among them is the “Atlantique Productions” series “Last Call,” which is financed by “Warner Bros. Discovery,” and HBO MAX will stream the series worldwide, as well as director Nina Wolfrum’s series “Westwell,” produced by “Warner Bros. International Television Production Deutschland GmbH” with funding from “The Walt Disney Company GmbH.” For both projects, SIA “Nafta Films” will provide production services in Latvia. Several projects scheduled for 2027, involving Canadian directors and producers, are also in development.
From Venice to Cannes and Toronto – The Latvian Film Industry’s International Successes
The competitiveness of Latvian film professionals was also demonstrated by their successes at the world’s most prestigious film festivals in 2026.
A significant portion of Danish director Maja el-Tukī’s film *Woman Unknown* was shot in Riga in collaboration with Latvian partners. At the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, this film won the top prize, the “Golden Lion,” and the lead actress also received the Volpi Cup for Best Actress.
The French, German, and Latvian co-production “Minotaur,” which was filmed primarily in Riga, won the “Grand Prix” at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. France selected the film as its submission for the 2027 Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The film’s director is Andrei Zvyagintsev.
Polish director Jan Holubek’s film “Wild, Wild East” had its world premiere in September 2026 as part of the Platform competition program at the Toronto International Film Festival. Filming in Latvia took place in Kuldīga and Salacgrīva, where Kuldīga’s historic architecture served as authentic small-town exteriors. The Latvian filming phase was organized by the studio “White Picture” with support from the LIAA.
International film projects promote Latvia’s visibility and strengthen its position in the global film industry. They create opportunities for Latvian companies to participate in international film production chains and develop export-ready services.
Foreign films in Latvia create jobs and generate millions of euros in economic benefits
Filming foreign movies creates demand not only for the work of film professionals. International producers utilize services provided by Latvian companies, including transportation, lodging, catering, construction, equipment rental, security, post-production, and other services. This boosts employment, business revenue, and service exports.
Similar economic benefits are generated by major international events, which attract foreign visitors to Latvia and promote the development of the tourism, hospitality, transportation, and event management sectors.
The results of the LIAA’s foreign film support program to date confirm the importance of such investments. In 2025–2026, co-financing totaling 9.8 million euros was approved for 29 film projects in previous selection rounds. As a result of projects implemented under the program, more than 7.4 million euros will be paid into the state budget in taxes.
An economic assessment of the program indicates that its implementation over three years will generate approximately 72 million euros in export revenue for the Latvian economy, while every euro of public funding invested in the program will yield a return of approximately three times that amount.
For new film projects and major events – 4.24 million euros
In the program’s fifth selection round for the production of foreign films and the organization of major events in Latvia in 2027, the available funding amounts to 4,243,642 euros.
The support is intended for the production of foreign feature films, animated films, and documentaries, as well as television series, in Latvia. The program also covers cultural, sports, business, and other public events of international significance that generate significant economic benefits. The aid intensity may reach 30% of the project’s eligible costs.
Support for major events is intended for projects capable of attracting at least 5,000 foreign participants and visitors who stay at least two nights in Latvian tourist accommodations.
Applications will open on November 25 – projects must be completed by November 15, 2027
The call for project proposals will begin on November 25, 2026, and will continue through January 11, 2027.
Only projects whose implementation and submission of the final payment request are scheduled to take place no later than November 15, 2027, may be submitted in the fifth selection round.
Funding is awarded through a competitive selection process in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 99 of February 11, 2025, “Procedures for the Allocation of State Budget Co-financing for Large-Scale, Significant Public Events and the Filming of Foreign Films in Latvia.”
More information about the program's terms and conditions and the application process is available on the platform Business.gov.lv.
About the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA)
LIAA promotes the competitiveness of Latvian businesses, export growth, and the attraction of investment, while also developing the tourism sector and implementing the country’s image policy. The agency acts as the government’s partner in business development—from the initial idea to international markets. With an extensive network of representative offices abroad and regional business centers in Latvia, LIAA helps companies grow and positions Latvia as a safe, innovative, and open country in the global economy.