RIFF, the Reykjavík International Film Festival, starts in one week - the 23rd of September. The program is finished and all the information can be found in the festival program on the frontpage on this website and later on the streets and in the shops of Reykjavík.
Among festival guests this year is no other than Jim Jarmusch who will answer questions about his work and join discussion on the art of film in the University of Iceland. American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist and political activist Noam Chomsky will then hold a video conference on the environment, economy, energy and more.
Around 140 films from 29 countries will be screened in 11 days. The films are divided into 14 categories, and in the competition category New Visions 12 films fight for the discovery of the year award; The Golden Puffin. A new category on human rights- Better World - is presented for the first time this year. Other categories are Special Presentations, Open Seas, Docs in Focus, World Changes, Palestine and Afghanistan in Focus, Focus on Poland, Focus on Sweden, Sound on Sight, Midnight Movies, Food on Film, Youth Program and Icelandic Panorama. Plenty of panel talks, masterclasses, workshops, concerts and other special events will also take place from the 23rd of September - 3rd of October.
The opening film this year is Cyrus by brothers Jay and Mark Duplass starring John C.Reilly, Jonah Hill and Marisu Tomei. The guest of honor is Jim Jarmusch who will accept RIFF's lifetime achievement award from the President of Iceland. Furthermore, there will be a special focus on the Italian Elio Petri as well as emerging master Benedek Fliegauf
For the first time this year, RIFF has organized a substantial 5-day workshop where independent cinema will be confronted in whole. The issues will be diverse; everything from how to prepare and produce your film to how you act after post production when you pitch your film on film festivals and film markets. This year’s edition of RIFF boasts of many renowned international guests, who have undertaken to lecture, curate interactive discussion and direct concept work in partnership with Icelandic strongholds from the business. The Workshop takes place mostly in Þjóðminjasafnið (the National Museum), so the number of participants is limited. After finishing the workshop, the entrants receive a certificate which validates they finished the cours. Those interested can apply on www.riff.is.
RIFF's Talent Laboratory will be held for the 5th time this year. It's for young talents from Europe and America where they are given the chance to meet up in Reykjavík and experience what is going on in film making on the other side of the ocean. The main objective of the Talent Laboratory is to help young filmmakers make first hand contacts with film producers and other professionals who can help and consult them with their first feature film. The Talent Laboratory will last for 3 days, during which the filmmakers will participate in master classes and discussions with already established names within the film industry like Valdís Óskarsdóttir, Peter Wintonick, Cameron Bailey and Jim Jarmusch. Education and entertainment will go hand in hand. The schedule will be packed with great films, case studies and seminars. Furthermore talents are offered to send in their short film or documentary and compete for the Golden Egg, a reward specially designed to encourage young filmmakers.
So, there's plenty to do at this year's RIFF: Have fun!