RIFF Talent Lab
RIFF Talent Lab is a 4 days workshop in Reykjavík, addressed to up and coming filmmakers who are working on their first feature film.
Participants of the Talent Lab will have the opportunity to make first-hand contact with film directors, producers and other professionals for help and consulting on their first feature film, as well as meet up with other like-minded individuals of various backgrounds from around the world. This year’s Talent Lab will run from the 3rd until the 7th of October 2023.
The Philosophy
The threefold motto of the Reykjavík International Film Festival (Innovation – Networking – Dialogue) is perfectly manifested in the activities of the Talent Lab. The lab highlights and promotes the innovative works of young filmmakers and fosters as well as facilitates the networking necessary to promote their work to buyers and distributors. The attendees further gain the opportunity to participate in a dialogue and exchange ideas and thoughts with fellow writers/directors/producers from across the world.
The Golden Egg
Participants also have the opportunity to submit their short films to The Golden Egg competition! The submitted films will pass through our selection committee and the ones who make the cut, will be screened at the festival’s official program and compete for the Golden Egg award.
The films submitted for The Golden Egg should be less than 30 minutes long and should be made after January 1st, 2022. Applicants can submit them by uploading the film’s Vimeo (or other) link when filling out their application.
The program of RIFF Talent Lab is different every year, but always consists of an exciting combination of masterclasses, pitch sessions, panels, workshops, screenings and entertainment.
Fee
The fee for participants from abroad is 150,000 ISK (approx. 965 EUR, or 1045 USD). The fee covers shared accommodation in a central hostel with breakfast included, a festival pass, numerous events, and access to all seminars and discussions. Please note that airfare and travel to and from airport is not covered.
Participants who prefer to book their accommodation privately, pay the discount fee of 130,000 ISK, which covers all the above, minus the shared accommodation.
There is no extra fee for participants submitting their films to the Golden Egg competition.
For inquiries please contact us at talentlab@riff.is
A few words from 2022 Talent Lab participants:
“The friendships and international connections I made were worth the trip to Reykjavik on their own, but add in the lab programming itself combined with the Golden Egg nomination for my film, and it's easy to recommend that other filmmakers apply for the RIFF Talent Lab in the future.”
“It was a great privilege to be able to participate in the Talent Lab. Meeting filmmakers from all over the world, hearing their stories, getting to know their worlds and their work was a great joy for me. The panels were not only educational but interesting and engaging. The opportunity to watch some of the films and speak on an intimate level to the filmmakers about their process was phenomenal. My sincere thanks and gratitude to the RIFF Talent Lab team for an educational and enjoyable experience.”
“RIFF Talent Lab was a wonderful experience. Not only did I learn more about the craft of filmmaking, but I made friends and colleagues for life. It was well organized and an incredible opportunity that I'm very grateful for.”
“Great way to network and to get inspired.”
“The RIFF Talent Lab is an amazing experience. Over the course of five days, I got to be inspired by and become friends with filmmakers from all over the world. We also had intimate discussions with people like Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson, whose film Beautiful Beings is Iceland's entry into the 2023 Oscars. The whole thing was a lovely adventure and I had a fantastic time!”
“The RIFF Talent Lab was a highlight of my 2022. I met some immensely talented and like-minded creative individuals. The hosts made sure everyone felt welcome and involved, and Iceland is a perfect backdrop. I had such a fun time exploring Reykjavik.”
F.A.Q.
Does submitting my short film for the Golden Egg Competition mean that it will be screened at RIFF’s official program?
Participants can submit their short films when applying for the Talent Lab. Once they have paid the final fee, their films will be reviewed by our selection committee and the best ones will be screened at RIFF’s official program. The final selection is usually announced by mid-September, depending on the number of submitted films. The Golden Egg Jury will choose the winner of the Golden Egg award among the selected films, which will be announced at RIFF’s Closing Ceremony.
In how many instalments can I pay my total fee?
Every participant is required to pay a confirmation fee of 45.000 ISK in order to secure their place. We start reviewing applications early in the year. The remaining fee is paid 4 weeks after confirmation of participation is confirmed. Please note that every year only a limited number of participants can get a seat. The earlier you apply the better change you have to be accepted. Every payment is done directly to a fixed link we share with the participants.
Is the Talent Lab fee refundable?
The Talent Lab fee is non-refundable.
Can I have a private room at the same central hostel as the other Talent Labbers?
Depending on how many requests for private rooms we have, we can have a special deal for Talent Labbers booking a private room. The extra fee is paid directly to the hostel.
What are the deadlines for the Talent Lab application and the fee payments?
Applications are reviewed regularly starting early spring which mean that those that apply early have a better change to be accepted. All applications are answered within a few weeks. The deadline for the Talent Lab application is 23rd July. Exceptions can be made in specific cases.
