RIFF is just around the corner

The Reykjavik International Film Festival starts in just over a month - on September 23. As one of Iceland‘s highest attended cultural event, the main purpose of the festival is to provide both Icelandic and international filmgoers with a wide selection of alternative, independent cinema. On top of that, we promise you an unforgettable experience in Reykjavik city.

RIFF's program for 2010 is coming together, and will be announced in a few days. But here, we will give you a sneak preview of the confirmed highlights so far:

• Some 100 films will be screened in 12 different categories, among them some of the most interesting new films from all around the world, documentaries, feature films and shorts.

• New Visions is the competition section and is limited to the first or second film of up-and-coming directors. Some 12-15 films will compete for RIFF’s main prize, The Golden Puffin.

• Jim Jarmusch will be the guest of honor, and will receive RIFF’s creative excellence award, which will be awarded by the president of Iceland. A few of Jarmusch’s films will be screened at the festival.

• Jarmusch will also do a masterclass in the University of Iceland’s main building.

• Icelandic Panorama - a category which opens up the world of Icelandic filmmaking and showcases it to the outside world, thus building a bridge between Icelandic cinema and international filmmaking.

• A special midnight section – not for children and the faint of heart.

• Films will be screened all around town, in many different places, hair-saloons, stores, schools, out in the streets etc. Also, there will be screenings in small towns around the Icelandic countryside.

• A swimming pool cinema at a 73 year old swimming pool in Reykjavik, and a drive through cinema at Reykjavik airport.

• A talent laboratory for up and coming filmmakers.

• And last but not least, unforgettable parties and tours around Reykjavik and the beautiful Icelandic countryside.

This is just a short list of events happening at RIFF - more is yet to come. Please check out riff.is, Facebook and Twitter and stay updated.

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RIFF quote:

"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, Guest of Honour 2009 -