International Student Short Film Festival of Latvian Academy of Culture "Easy to Be Young"
2027
Latvian Academy of Culture Announces Call for Entries for the Second International Short Film Festival "Easy to Be Young?"
From March 11 to 13, 2027, Riga will host the second international student short film festival "Easy to Be Young?", organized by the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC). Following a successful inaugural edition, the festival is taking the next step—significantly expanding its international reach by transitioning to an open film selection via the international platform "FilmFreeway" and promising an even broader program for both film students and audiences.
Following its successful debut year, the festival returns with the goal of continuing to develop and support young cinematic talents. While the first-year program was curated in cooperation with specific regional film schools, in 2027 "Easy to Be Young?" is opening its doors wider, inviting young creators to submit their works through the "FilmFreeway" platform. Film students and recent graduates from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic are invited to participate.
The competition program is planned to include 30 to 35 student short films, encompassing fiction and documentary films with a runtime of up to 30 minutes. Premiere status is not required, and a single author may submit up to two films. The festival will take place at the "Splendid Palace" cinema and the LAC National Film School (NFS).
Film submissions for the 2027 competition on the "FilmFreeway" platform are open until November 20, 2026. Submissions are free of charge. Detailed competition regulations and the submission link are available on the "FilmFreeway" platform.
Festival archive
2026
Mastering the Narrative: "Easy to Be Young?" Film Festival Announces International Masterclass Series
05.03.2026
Alongside the competition screenings of the "Easy to Be Young?" International Student Short Film Festival, a series of masterclasses will take place from March 12 to 14 at the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC) National Film School (Miera iela 58a). Renowned directors from Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania will share practical insights into visionary filmmaking, screenwriting processes, and current industry trends.
Easy to be young? Film Festival Program Announced: From Harsh Realism to Youth Rebellion
18.02.2026
The international student short film festival Easy to be young?, taking place in Riga from March 12 to 14, has announced its full program. The festival lineup includes professional masterclasses at the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC) National Film School, three grand competition screenings at the Splendid Palace cinema featuring award-winning works by Baltic and Nordic students, and a unique retrospective dedicated to the art of cinematography.
Easy to be young? First Student Short Film Festival to Reveal the Unique Styles of Young Baltic and Nordic Directors
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