Translated using ChatGPT service.
On Thursday, April 17, during his working visit to Tukums, Minister of Economics Viktor Valainis visited the Cinevilla film village, where he met with producer and director Andrejs Ēķis. During the meeting, they discussed the perspectives of the Latvian film industry and the anticipated state support for it.
On February 11 of this year, the Cabinet of Ministers supported a program proposed by the Ministry of Economics to provide state support for the filming of foreign films and the organization of large-scale events in Latvia. The program has been established as a permanent support regulation for this sector and will provide opportunities for representatives of various industries to organize large international events in Latvia, as well as attract strong foreign film producers to the Latvian film industry, thereby promoting business development, including export revenues, and enhancing the country’s international visibility.
“Support for foreign film production in Latvia is very important. The services provided by the film industry significantly stimulate the development of the national economy and the formation of the country’s image abroad, ensuring an increase in exports, productivity, and global competence of the Latvian film industry. With the help of state co-financing, employment in various sectors of the economy, indirectly related to the film industry, is also effectively promoted. Moreover, after the successful release of films shot in Latvia, a surge in tourism and interest in our country and its sights is expected,” emphasized Minister of Economics Viktor Valainis during the meeting.
“Latvia is currently in the spotlight – animation artist Gints Zilbalodis has received an Oscar, and our country is becoming increasingly visible on the international film map. Cinevilla Studios, the largest open-air film city in Northern Europe, with authentic, permanent sets from various historical eras, offers a unique environment for large film projects. Combined with the state-provided cash rebate mechanisms, now is the right time to strategically develop the film industry as an export-capable and economically significant sector. That is why it is particularly important that the Ministry of Economics and Minister Viktor Valainis see the potential of this industry and are ready to support it. The development of the film industry directly impacts the state budget revenues, creates jobs, and strengthens Latvia’s international recognition. Strengthening the collaboration between the state and the industry is an important step towards sustainable growth,” stated producer and director Andrejs Ēķis.
At the same time, both V. Valainis and A. Ēķis acknowledged that repeating the success of the film “Straume” requires careful work and collaboration between the state and the industry. It is crucial to continue the ongoing efforts to attract international attention. Therefore, together with the Ministry of Culture and the industry, they need to explore additional opportunities to position Latvia more and more as a professional player in this niche, making it attractive to foreign investments.
Within the framework of the state support program for the filming of foreign films and the organization of large-scale events in Latvia, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia organized an open first selection round from March 3 to April 3 this year. A total of 14 project submissions for foreign film productions in Latvia were received, with a total amount of €10.5 million, as well as 3 project submissions for large-scale events, totaling €0.7 million.
The support program defines the supported activities, costs, co-financing intensity, evaluation criteria, and the conditions for receiving co-financing. The co-financing amount for a single project is 30% of the total eligible costs of the project. The budget for support for both foreign film production and large-scale event organization in Latvia is determined in accordance with the law “On the State Budget for 2025 and the Budget Framework for 2025, 2026, and 2027” – €7.5 million for 2025, €7.9 million for 2026, and €8.3 million for 2027.