The "Artdocfest/Riga 2026" documentary film festival celebrated the winning films at a ceremony on March 7, where the "Grand Prix" was awarded to the film "Lagoon," co-produced by Lithuania and France, directed by Sharunas Bartas. This year's festival included two competitive sections, and a jury comprising members from Latvia, Switzerland, and Lithuania evaluated the ten films in the 'Baltic Focus' competition.

Additionally, the festival honored the best director title to Natalia Koniarza for her film "Silver," produced by Poland, Norway, and Finland. The film "Nothing Mr. Against Putin," which had a director traveling directly from Riga to the Oscars in the USA, received a special mention through the "HERZ Special" award, directed by David Borenstein and Pavels Talankins from Denmark and Czech Republic. The festival, echoing a commendable spirit of celebration, also featured Gidon Kremer's tribute to the centenary of Herz Frank.

In total, the "Artdocfest Open" competition showcased 19 films, judged by an international panel of experts, including members from Estonia, the USA, and Latvia. This variety highlights the growing importance and recognition of documentary cinema within the Baltic region and beyond, reflecting on significant cultural and political themes presented through the filmmakers' works.