LIAA: Foreign film projects have brought over €42 million into Latvia's economy

Latvia's Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) reports that since its foreign film support programme began, it has co-financed 37 film projects totaling over €9.97 million. As a result, more than €8.84 million has flowed into the state budget through taxes, while foreign producers' spending on goods and services in Latvia has reached €42.1 million.

The programme covers up to 30% of eligible project costs for productions meeting its qualification and economic criteria. LIAA estimates the scheme could boost Latvia's exports by roughly €72 million over three years, with total economic impact projected at around three times the state's investment.

Venice success

The agency highlighted Danish director Mai el-Toukhy's film "The Stranger" (Nezināmā sieviete), winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. The film is a co-production between Danish-Swedish studio Nordisk Film Production and Latvian studio Nafta Films, with most of it filmed in Rīga using co-financing from LIAA's programme and the Rīga Film Fund. Of 28 shooting days, 25 took place in Rīga, involving a large team of Latvian film professionals. Lead actress Matilde Arkel also won the festival's Best Actress award.

LIAA director Ieva Jāgere said the film's success demonstrates the economic value of attracting foreign productions — funds reach local companies, boosting service exports and tax revenue, while internationally recognized work strengthens Latvia's competitiveness for future projects. National Film Centre head Dita Rietuma noted that the Venice award could become an important argument for attracting further international productions to Latvia.

LIAA also pointed to other recent examples, including Kristen Stewart's directorial debut "The Chronology of Water," filmed in Latvia and premiered at Cannes, and the Latvian co-production "Invisible Fight," which has gained international recognition.