Latvian Films Shine at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival
The 76th Berlin International Film Festival, running until February 22, 2026, is showcasing a strong presence of Latvian cinema, with several projects selected for various industry and film market sections. This year’s festival features over 200 films, with 22 competing for the prestigious Golden Bear award.
Latvian Projects at the Berlinale and EFM
Dzintars Dreibergs’ feature film “Escape Net” (originally titled “Tīklā. The TTT legend’s birth”) is being presented to the international film industry community. Upcoming animation works by directors Signe Baumane and Edmunds Jansons are as well featured. The European Film Market (EFM), a key industry forum, provides a platform for Latvian filmmakers to attract international attention, forge co-production opportunities, and seek partners for new projects.
“Escape Net” at the European Film Market
At the EFM, the Latvian stand – alongside those of Lithuania and Estonia – is staffed by representatives from the National Film Centre of Latvia and the Latvian Producers Association. “Escape Net,” currently Latvia’s most popular feature film, is having its international market premiere, aiming to connect with distributors, festival curators, and representatives from streaming platforms and TV channels.1
Co-Productions and Animated Features
A five-country co-production featuring Latvian studio Air Productions, the children’s adventure film “Extraordinary,” also premiered at the film market.1
Signe Baumane’s upcoming animated feature, “Karmiskas nozods” (Knot), the final installment in her personal trilogy following “Rocks in my Pockets” (2014) and “My Marriage Project” (2022), is being presented at the Berlinale Co-Production Market. The film is a Latvian-US-Italian co-production, financially supported by the National Cinema Center.1
Edmunds Jansons’ animated series for primary school viewers, “Oskars und lijes” (Oscar!), based on a book by Estonian writer Andrus Kivirehka, has been selected for participation in the European Film Market Animation Days.1
Restored Classic and Jury Leadership
A restored version of Grigorije Kromanov’s 1979 Estonian film, “Hotel “Pie bojagħiļā lpīnista” alpinisti hotell,” featuring Latvian actor Uldis Pūcītis, premiered in the “Berlinale Classics” program.1
The 76th Berlin International Film Festival is presided over by German director Wim Wenders. Actress Michelle Yeo received the Golden Bear Lifetime Achievement Award.2
1 Dzintars Dreibergs previously worked in finance before pursuing a career in cinema.