Dark And Light

DAL – Independent Film Festival of Short Social Cinema

DAL is an international celebration of creative voices who use cinema to reflect on humanity, society, and the world we live in. We believe that storytelling can be a powerful mirror – a way to talk about people and about ourselves.

Our festival focuses on meaningful short formats that explore urgent human and social issues. The program includes short social films, social animation, experimental short films, and socially themed music videos. Each submission is an artistic statement about what matters today – empathy, identity, justice, and the shared challenges of our time.

DAL is not only a cultural event but also a platform for action. The festival collaborates with the Red Cross and several non-governmental organizations dedicated to humanitarian work. By uniting filmmakers and activists, we strive to inspire dialogue and encourage real social change through art.

In April 2026, the festival will include a series of online seminars, discussions, and masterclasses open to all participants. These sessions are designed to connect emerging creators with experienced filmmakers, mentors, and cultural professionals.

The festival will conclude with a public screening in Riga, Latvia, where the 12 best works chosen by the international jury will be presented in one of the country’s largest cinemas. The jury brings together experts and artists from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Turkey, and the USA, who will honor outstanding works with special prizes and the official DAL statuette.

DAL – Independent Film Festival of Short Social Cinema.
A space where art, empathy, and activism meet.