Entries Open for Latvia’s National Film Award “Lielais Kristaps”

The Latvian Union of Cinematographers (LKS), a professional association of the film sector, is inviting Latvian film producers and filmmakers to submit their work for the National Film Award “Lielais Kristaps” (“The Big Kristaps”). Entries are accepted until 20 November 2026. The award is an annual event in Latvia’s film industry that brings together filmmakers and audiences.

Eligible films

Latvian films of any length can be submitted: feature, documentary and animated films, as well as co-productions. They must have been completed after 1 January 2025 and must not have been entered for the award before. A film must have its premiere in Latvia before or during the “Lielais Kristaps” event. Latvian students of audiovisual art, whether studying in Latvia or abroad, can enter the student film competition.

The rules are published on the website lielaiskristaps.lv under “Nolikums” (Regulations), and films can be submitted under “Pieteikt filmu” (Submit a film).

Judging and schedule

The entries will be assessed by an expert commission made up of experts nominated by professional organisations and institutions of the film sector. Nominees will be announced in January 2027, and winners will be chosen by an independent international jury.

Events will run from 15 to 20 February at the Splendid Palace cinema, culminating in the awards ceremony on 20 February. Achievements will be recognised in 26 categories, including best feature-length and short fiction films, documentaries, animated films, multi-episode films, minority co-productions and student films, as well as leading film professionals. An audience award, which viewers help decide by voting for their favourite, and an LKS award for lifetime contribution to film art will also be presented.

LKS head Marta Bite urged producers and filmmakers to submit their work actively. The award is organised by LKS in cooperation with the National Film Centre and the Ministry of Culture.