Why the Baltics? Cannes Panel Spotlights Baltic Film Talent and Co-Production Opportunities

Baltic cinema is entering a dynamic new phase. Across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, filmmakers are gaining international recognition through bold storytelling, distinctive creative voices, and a growing network of cross-border production initiatives. As global interest in the region continues to rise, Baltic Shorts is bringing together producers, programmers, and industry leaders for a focused conversation on what makes the Baltics such a valuable creative and production partner.

The panel, “Why the Baltics? Co-Producing and Connecting with Baltic Talent,” will take place on May 17, 2026, at the Baltics’ Pavilion at the 2026 SFC | Rendez-vous Industry in Cannes, France. Designed for co-producers, short film directors, emerging filmmakers, programmers, and industry professionals, the session will offer an inside look at how international partners can discover, connect with, and collaborate alongside Baltic talent.

A region gaining international momentum

The Baltic film landscape has become increasingly visible on the international stage, with filmmakers and producers from the region presenting work at major festivals and participating in ambitious international co-productions. The panel will explore how this momentum is shaping new opportunities for short film, talent development, and cross-border collaboration.

Rather than looking at the Baltics as a single production destination, the conversation will examine the region as a connected creative ecosystem. Participants will discuss the markets, events, initiatives, and professional networks that help international collaborators access emerging voices from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

A particular focus will be placed on the short film sector, where the Baltics have developed a vibrant and internationally engaged community. From pitching platforms and festival programmes to national film agencies and regional partnerships, the panel will map practical entry points for professionals seeking meaningful collaboration.

Speakers and moderator

The panel brings together experienced producers, festival representatives, and short film professionals with deep knowledge of Baltic and international film networks.

Greta Akcijonaitė is a Lithuanian producer and partner at Magic Film, working across film distribution and production with a strong focus on emerging talent and international co-productions. Her background spans exhibition, distribution, and production, and she has produced and co-produced short films that have travelled to major international festivals and received national awards. She is also a Baltic Pitching Forum alumna and has served as a mentor in the Baltic Women in Film Mentorship programme.

Rimantė Daugėlaitė is the co-founder and director of the Lithuanian Short Film Agency Lithuanian Shorts and head of Vilnius Short Film Festival. With more than a decade of experience in audiovisual projects, film promotion, and cultural funding structures, she is an active member of several national and European film and culture bodies, including the European Film Academy.

Alise Ģelze is a Latvian film producer and founder of White Picture. Active since 2006, she has produced and co-produced feature films and shorts presented at major international festivals including Cannes, Berlinale, Rotterdam, Karlovy Vary, Busan, Locarno, and Tallinn Black Nights. Her work focuses on auteur-driven cinema, supporting both emerging Latvian directors and established international filmmakers through ambitious international co-productions.

Marianne Ostrat is an Estonian film producer and founder of Alexandra Film, active across fiction, documentary, and animation. Her films have screened at festivals including Venice, San Sebastián, SXSW, and Annecy. Her recent work includes Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, which won the Directing Award at Sundance and European Documentary 2023, and earned Ostrat a Producers Guild of America Award nomination.

Julie Rousson is a programmer and industry events coordinator at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival. She is a member of the International Competition selection committee and coordinates industry activities at the Short Film Market, including the Euro Connection co-production forum. She is also a board member of the Short Film Conference.

The conversation will be moderated by Lauma Kaudzīte, head of the RIGA IFF Short Film Programme, managing director of the Short Film Conference, and project coordinator at European Short Pitch. Based in Paris, Kaudzīte works across short film, talent development, festival programming, and international project coordination.

Connecting international professionals with Baltic talent

“Why the Baltics?” is aimed at professionals interested in expanding their co-production networks and building stronger connections with Baltic filmmakers. The event will be especially relevant for short film co-producers, directors, emerging filmmakers, festival representatives, and industry professionals looking for new creative partnerships in Northern and Eastern Europe.

The session is organized by Baltic Shorts in partnership with the Estonian Film Institute, the National Film Centre of Latvia, and the Lithuanian Film Center.