Baltic-Italian collaboration shines at WEMW and the Trieste Film Festival

The co-production forum held annually in Trieste shines a spotlight on Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania while also celebrating a growing collaboration with Italy.

This year’s edition of When East Meets West (WEMW, 19-22 January), the co-production forum held annually in Trieste, alongside the Trieste Film Festival, shines a spotlight on the Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – while also celebrating their growing collaboration with Italy. Among the highlights is the Baltic-Italian Development Award, a prize aimed at fostering the co-production of full-length films, including animations and documentaries, between the two regions.

The Baltic-Italian Development Award comes with a total budget of €40,000, co-funded by the Italian Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual of the Italian Ministry of Culture (€20,000), and the Lithuanian Film Centre, the National Film Centre of Latvia and the Estonian Film Institute (€20,000). To be eligible, at least one producer must be registered in Italy and one in the Baltic states. The prize will be awarded during WEMW, supporting the development of projects that bring together the creative strengths of these regions.

In addition to the award, Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian filmmakers are making a strong appearance at WEMW. They have been selected to participate in multiple sections, including the Co-Production Forum, Works in Progress, Inspirational Labs and First Cut Lab Trieste (see the news). These platforms provide the teams with opportunities to showcase their projects, gain valuable feedback and connect with potential partners from around the world.

The Baltic focus extends to the Trieste Film Festival, where an impressive selection of Lithuanian and Latvian movies will be screened. As for the former country, the Feature Film Competition includes Toxic by Saulė Bliuvaitė, the Documentary Film Competition – Trains by Polish director Maciej J Drygas (co-produced by Lithuania’s Era Film), and the Short Film Competition – It’ll Pass by Dovydas Drakšas and Left-Handed Pen by Adas Burkšaitis, while Slow by Marija Kavtaradze will screen out of competition.

Meanwhile, two Latvian Films will be shown in the Documentary Film Competition: To Be Continued. Teenhood by Ivars Seleckis and Armands Zacs, and Termini by Laila Pakalnina.

The focus on the Baltic countries at WEMW and the Trieste Film Festival underscores the dynamic and innovative filmmaking happening in the region. Initiatives like the Baltic-Italian Development Award are vital for strengthening ties between the Baltic and Italian film industries, fostering co-productions, and bringing diverse stories to international audiences.

With significant funding opportunities and robust representation at these events, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Baltic filmmakers on the global stage.

Article by Cineuropa.