From December 15, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) will begin accepting project applications for the foreign film and major event support program with total funding of €10.7 million over a two-year period. Applications will be accepted until January 30, 2026.
The program helps Latvia compete internationally by attracting new film projects and encouraging event organizers in Latvia to hold international events that attract large numbers of foreign visitors.
The program aims to promote the export of services, raise Latvia's profile, and generate long-term economic benefits by using Latvia as a platform for film production and international events.
In 2026, the total available funding will be EUR 3.4 million, and in 2027, EUR 7.36 million. Under the terms of the program, support is provided to cover up to 30% of eligible costs for foreign film projects and the organization of major events in Latvia.
Support is intended for major events that have a measurable economic impact, for example, by attracting at least 5,000 foreign guests who spend at least two nights in Latvian tourist accommodation. Beneficiaries may also include licenses, marketing expenses, technical support costs, artists' fees, accommodation, catering, security expenses, and other services related to the organization of the event in their eligible costs.
In order to verify the economic contribution of major events, project implementers will be required to submit a calculation of the project's impact on the Latvian economy, which is calculated by by multiplying the number of foreign visitors attracted by the number of nights spent by foreign visitors in Latvia and the daily expenditure of foreign visitors according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau. A report on tickets sold to foreign visitors will also have to be submitted.
It is important to note that projects planned for implementation in 2027 can also be submitted in time for this round of program support. Commercial entities, associations, and foundations can apply for support for organizing major events, while Latvian producers who have been registered in the Latvian Film Producers Register for at least 24 months prior to submitting their project and who collaborate with foreign partners can apply for support for filming foreign films.
In total, €4.49 million will be spent on the film and major event program in 2025. Fifteen film projects and two major events have been approved for participation in the support program this year.
Supported film projects:
SIA "Forma Pro Films" – "Minotaur" (MINOTAUR), "Color Your Hurt", "Fisherman", "Quiet Boy" (QUIET BOY), "Strategy" (STRATAGEM), "AFTER" (AFTER); SIA “White Picture” – “Sacred and Profane Love” (SACRED AND PROFANE LOVE), “Wild, Wild East” (Wild, Wild East); SIA FILM ANGELS STUDIO – Shangha, Dirt in Your Face; SIA Air Productions – Hõbevalge; SIA Cinevilla Films – Die Putzfrau, Swingers 2 Estonia; SIA Nafta Films – SERAFIMA, Efterkrig.
Work on the films Minotaurs, Klusais zēns, Stratēģija, Mežonīgie, mežonīgie austrumi, Apkopēja, Sirdabbalts and Serafima will continue in 2026, while the film project "Holy Worldly Love" will begin next year.
Meanwhile, there are currently two projects in the major event support program: the European Table Tennis Championships for Veterans, submitted by the Latvian Table Tennis Federation, and the European Indoor Football Championships (for men), submitted by the Latvian Football Federation. The implementation of these projects will continue in 2026.
You can apply for support on the platform: business.gov.lv
About the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA)
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) promotes the competitiveness of Latvian entrepreneurs, export growth and investment attraction, as well as develops the tourism sector and implements the country's image policy. LIAA acts as a state partner in business development – from idea to international markets. With an extensive network of representatives abroad and regional business centers in Latvia, LIAA helps companies grow and positions Latvia as a secure, innovative, and open country in the global economy.
Photo publicity: Wild, Wild East in Kuldīga
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
