Reykjavík International Film Festival – RIFF – has received a cooperation agreement from Creative Europe MEDIA, the cultural fund of the European Union. In addition, RIFF received 93 points out of a possible 100 in MEDIA’s detailed evaluation of its application – the highest score the festival has ever achieved. As a result, RIFF has been awarded a two-year contract worth approximately 10 million ISK annually.
One of the few partner festivals in the Nordics
MEDIA has previously supported RIFF with similar agreements, but they are only granted after a thorough review of all aspects of the festival’s work – including programme, priorities, staff qualifications, finances, governance and structure. This makes the achievement even more significant, as very few Nordic festivals receive this kind of support, and RIFF is the only festival in Iceland to be granted this honor.
Experts in the field of film festivals
What makes the announcement even more gratifying is the exceptionally high score awarded to RIFF after MEDIA’s in-depth review. 93 out of 100 is an almost unheard-of rating, given by MEDIA representatives who are international experts in film festivals.
Strong recognition of RIFF’s work
“This is not only fantastic news for us but also an enormous recognition of RIFF’s work,” says Festival Director Hrönn Marinósdóttir. “While we have previously received MEDIA support, we have never been given such a high score. This aligns with what MEDIA representatives have told us when visiting the festival – they are consistently amazed at how such a professional and ambitious event can be held in a small and remote country like Iceland.”
Top marks for professionalism, diversity and sustainability
According to MEDIA’s report, RIFF is considered a highly respected and culturally important festival. It received 9 out of 10 points for its strong year-round activities, such as screenings and workshops across Iceland (including programmes for children and young people), and for its creativity in organizing innovative special events that attract new audiences. The festival was awarded full marks (10/10) for sustainability and environmental initiatives, as well as for diversity, accessibility, and gender equality – RIFF has always highlighted films by both female and male directors. MEDIA also praised RIFF with 10 out of 10 for its clear division of tasks, excellent project management, and wide range of professional staff. In MEDIA’s view, the festival delivers industry events of the highest standard and presents outstanding films from across Europe – earning yet another 10/10 score. RIFF also received top marks for its original marketing approaches, particularly in reaching young audiences through social media. Special mention was given to RIFF’s strong international partnerships with institutions, companies, and other respected European film festivals, which greatly strengthen its standing.
A clear vision from day one
Hrönn adds that RIFF has had a clear vision from the very beginning, which has attracted international interest early on. “We have always focused on screening outstanding films that would otherwise never reach Iceland, on supporting emerging filmmakers through our competition section New Visions, and on bringing international guests to Iceland to engage with local filmmakers and foster dialogue between Icelandic and foreign professionals.”
Strong partners make all the difference
She also points out that RIFF is a non-profit event, making strong partners essential: “We’ve been fortunate to gain the support of powerful backers in recent years, especially the investment company AZTIQ and Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya. The partnerships we’ve secured thanks to our reputation have enabled us to continue the work with the same ambition and professionalism we’ve had from the start. We are thrilled with our excellent partners and will keep on offering a festival that makes both Reykjavík and Iceland proud, while advancing Icelandic filmmaking.”
A fantastic boost heading into RIFF 2025
According to Hrönn, this recognition is the best possible send-off into the upcoming edition: “It gives us tremendous wind in our sails, and I can honestly say that RIFF’s programme has rarely been as exciting as it is this year. The film selection is exceptional, not to mention the distinguished guests who are on their way. We will present the full RIFF 2025 programme in the coming days and we can’t wait,” says Hrönn Marinósdóttir in closing.
RIFF 2025 will take place from September 25 to October 5 at the historic Háskólabíó, known for its top-class projection facilities and ample space for all – as emphasized in Creative Europe MEDIA’s report.