Most important dates in the history of film in Latvia

1	May 28, 1896	First cinema show in Riga
2	November 9, 1920	Premiere of the first Latvian feature "I Went to the War" (director Vilis Seglins)
3	December 30, 1923	Opening of the "Splendid Palace" cinema (now cinema "Riga") – the most pompous cinema in the Baltic States at that time
4	1951	First colour film in Latvia - the documentary "Soviet Latvia" - receives The Special Prize of Jury at Cannes IFF
5	1957	La Biennale di Venezia, Biennale Cinema Venice Film Festival Coppa Volpi alla migliore attrice: ZIDRA RITENBERGA in Malva
6	1963	Construction of the Riga Film Studio (1890 sq.m.) is completed
7	1977	Fore runner of "The European Documentary Film Symposiums" - the theoretical documentary film symposium - takes place in Jurmala
8	1986	First International Film Forum "Arsenals" (now a biannual event) takes place
9	1989	Celebrated filmmaker Juris Podnieks produces an impressive chronicle on the agony of the Soviet Empire "Hello, Do you Hear Us?"
10	1990	Documentary "Crossroad Street" by Ivars Seleckis receives "Felix", the prestigious prize of the European Film Academy, The Robert and Frances Flaherty Prize (The Grand Prize) YAMAGATA FESTIVAL 1989
11	1990	Latvian Academy of Culture is founded, now giving the chance to acquire professional education in filmmaking for the first time in Latvia
12	1995	Puppet animation film "Let’s Fly" (director Nils Skapans) receives Crystal Bear for the best children short at the 18. International childrens Film Festival in Berlin
	2000	Director Anna Viduleja's graduation film at the London National Film & TV School - "Nocturnal" (2000) - is screened at the programme of the Cannes International Film Festival