2ANNAS Partners with Cinema Without Borders to Present the “Bridging the Borders Award”

Riga International Short Film Festival 2ANNAS announces a new international partnership with the US-based organization Cinema Without Borders. Beginning in 2027, the festival will present the “Bridging the Borders Award”, recognizing films that foster understanding between people of different cultures, communities, and backgrounds.

Established by the Los Angeles-based organization Cinema Without Borders, the award celebrates filmmakers whose work encourages audiences to look beyond differences and discover the shared human experiences that connect people around the world. The organization is dedicated to promoting independent cinema internationally and fostering dialogue between cultures.

At a time when political conflicts, wars, discrimination, and prejudice continue to divide communities, the award highlights filmmakers whose work promotes empathy, mutual respect, and understanding. As emphasized in the Cinema Without Borders announcement, the partnership with 2ANNAS represents a natural collaboration between two organizations united by their belief in cinema’s ability to transcend national, cultural, and social boundaries.

The “Bridging the Borders Award” has previously been presented at international film festivals across the United States, Europe, and beyond. Through this new partnership, short films featured in the 2ANNAS programme will have additional opportunities to gain international recognition and reach wider audiences through Cinema Without Borders and its global network of film professionals, critics, and festival organizers.

Further details about the presentation of the award will be announced closer to the festival.

Read more about the partnership in the Cinema Without Borders announcement.