In an era of endless scrolling, with long-form content under siege, RIFF seeks to create a space where directors, musicians, cinephiles, and music lovers can come together to celebrate the music video as an art form.

The event is presented in collaboration with Smekkleysa and will be held at its Reykjavík venue on the 28th of August. Open to all, free of charge. A cornerstone of Icelandic music culture, Smekkleysa has long championed Icelandic artists through its record store, cultural activities, and events celebrating the country's rich and diverse musical heritage. 

Eligible submissions for this special event include videos in process or videos released within the year of 2026. The showcase will feature a selection of new Icelandic music videos alongside a specially curated programme of iconic work from the history of Icelandic music video production. Audiences will have the opportunity to discover lost gems and influential videos that in most cases are unavailable on streaming platforms or YouTube. The aim is to highlight the richness, diversity, and creative energy of Icelandic music video culture across generations, creating a dialogue between the medium’s past and present.

The archival programme is curated by acclaimed Icelandic director Magnús Leifsson.The program will reflect the history of music videos in Iceland and include pieces by many of the country's leading director, Maggi's work in television, commercials, and music videos spans decades, and he has established himself as one of Iceland’s most prolific music video directors, collaborating with celebrated artists across a wide spectrum of genres - from major acts such as Of Monsters And Men and Ólafur Arnalds to rappers like Birnir and Emmsjé Gauti. His work is characterised by a playful visual style, a strong sense of movement and choreography, and striking locations, where music and visual storytelling come together in dynamic and often unexpected ways.