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REYKJAVÍK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

REYKJAVIK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

REYKJAVÍK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2025

 

The Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) is the largest film festival in the country, which will be held for the 22nd time from September 25 to October 5, 2025. Each year, RIFF screens around 80 feature films and a number of short films from around the world. Experience the magic of cinema on the big screen at RIFF. There is something for everyone at RIFF 2025: Get to know YouthRIFF where school exhibitions, family films and practical workshops are offered; Participate in Brandeddiscipline where Iceland is introduced as a film country and issues concerning the industry are discussed; and don't miss Talent Lab, where outstanding filmmakers learn from experienced filmmakers in the industry. RIFF is also known for its surprising special events, such as visual food experiences, swimming cinemas, cave cinemas and concerts, which make the festival unforgettable. Tickets for individual screenings will go on sale in September, but you can secure your passes and scrapbooks here on the website. Ahead are 11 exciting film days with new and outstanding films and unforgettable special events.
Our goals are to change film culture by showing outstanding films that would otherwise not come to the country, promote discussion and film literacy, drive social reform through the power of film, and promote Iceland as a film country.

NEWS

RIFF attracts global attention

"A heavy metal band plays at a screening of a classic Viking film. Björk arrives to see the latest films by Pedro Almodóvar and Athina Rachel Tsangari. Filmmakers relax in geothermal pools by the sea. Industry figures are invited to the presidential residence to discuss the state of the film industry. It's a traditional day at the International Film Festival."

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Thanks for the cooperation!

Dear viewers, filmmakers, and partners big and small. We are extremely humbled and grateful for the great collaboration and reception at RIFF this year. The University Cinema was the center of RIFF, this historic building took on a new form as a beautiful café and bar with a cozy lounge. It was fun to watch the audience chat at

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RIFF WINNERS 2024

RIFF ANNOUNCES AWARD WINNERS AND CELEBRATES RECORD BREAK Japanese film Super Happy Forever wins Golden Puffin, Norwegian documentary A New Kind of Wilderness wins award in Alternative Futures category, The Bride by Hjördís Jóhannsdóttir was chosen as best Icelandic short film and the youth jury chose G-21 Sena from Gottsunda

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NEWS

QUOTES

"There's nothing like being surrounded by the talent and creativity at RIFF. I left with such a sense of inspiration, and just energized to return in the future. From the energy of the crowds, to the dinners and events, to the vast and wonderful films being screened, RIFF gave me an experience far beyond your ordinary film festival. I left inspired and enthusiastic for what is to come, and cannot wait to return. RIFF is a place that actually cares about its filmmakers. They understand that making movies is about so much more than just screening films - it is community, exchange of ideas, and providing the atmosphere for creativity. Simply put: I left inspired and cannot wait to come back."

Jonas Akerlund
"RIFF has a permanent place in the cultural life of the nation and is one manifestation of the great power that resides in Icelandic film culture. The world of film is international and diverse, as RIFF reflects so well."

Lilja D. Alfredsdottir
MP and former Minister of Culture
“Iceland is an isolated rock in a sea of parties. But during the days that RIFF is held, Iceland is the center of the film world. RIFF brings in influential people from all over the world who fill the halls and give lectures and talks that provide invaluable inspiration to the local people. RIFF shows Icelandic films to foreign guests and is thus a great export platform. RIFF’s reputation in the wider world is excellent. It has taken 20 years to build this reputation. RIFF is essential to Icelandic culture.”

Gudmundur Ingi Thorvaldsson
Actor and filmmaker
"At RIFF, a ticket to Iceland becomes a passport to the world"

Variety White color Logo
"The Reykjavik International Film Festival Is the Tectonic Meeting Point of European and American Indie Cinema"
HuffPost  Entertainment White color Logo
"How the Reykjavík film festival blew bigger fish out of the water: Iceland's annual celebration of young film-makers is local and low-key – but attracts some of the world's hottest names."

The Guardian Blue color Logo
"My experience at the Reykjavik International Film Festival was fantastic. It is an unusual place (to say the least) and the people are gracious, respectful and also a little wild -- a great combination in my opinion. I am very happy to have had this experience and to have met so many cool people interested in films, music, literature, elves, and the many mysteries of human nature. Thank you!"

Jim Jarmusch
"It felt strange to board a plane to Iceland for the Reykjavik Film Festival last week with our own prestige New York fest in progress, but it's a safe bet that Lincoln Center wouldn't be sponsoring a "fake orgasm" contest at a nearby watering hole, and the come-on, so to speak, was hard to resist."
New York Magazine White color Logo
"People were telling me: "In Iceland you will feel as if you are on the moon". So I went there and discovered that compared to Iceland the moon is boring. And to see movies there was really special. Thank you."

Milos Forman
"RIFF has mastered the art of niche branding, leaning heavily into Iceland's cultural landscape to shape both programming and attendee experiences. [...] By celebrating Iceland's distinct identity, RIFF not only creates an unforgettable experience but also solidifies itself as a must-attend event on the international film festival circuit."

Hollywood Insider
"There's nothing like being surrounded by the talent and creativity at RIFF. I left with such a sense of inspiration, and just energized to return in the future. From the energy of the crowds, to the dinners and events, to the vast and wonderful films being screened, RIFF gave me an experience far beyond your ordinary film festival. I left inspired and enthusiastic for what is to come, and cannot wait to return. RIFF is a place that actually cares about its filmmakers. They understand that making movies is about so much more than just screening films - it is community, exchange of ideas, and providing the atmosphere for creativity. Simply put: I left inspired and cannot wait to come back."
Jonas Akerlund
"RIFF occupies a permanent place in the cultural life of the nation and is one of the manifestations of the great power that resides in film culture in Iceland. The world of film is international and diverse, as RIFF so well highlights."
Lilja D. Alfredsdottir
Minister of culture and business affairs