In Los Angeles, the Academy Awards granted the Oscar for Best Animated Feature to “Flow,” a silent cat parable, at the 97th annual ceremony, marking a significant achievement for Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis.
The award for “Flow” signifies Zilbalodis’ first Oscar win and is celebrated as a major milestone.
Created using Blender, a free, open-source graphics tool for computer-generated animation, the film combines a dreamlike visual style with a serene yet post-apocalyptic storyline.
It narrates the journey of a black cat, a dog, a capybara, a ring-tailed lemur, and a secretary bird, all endeavoring to escape a cataclysmic flood.
The absence of spoken dialogue allows audiences to focus on the unique bonds and mutual understanding that develop among the animals as they flee the encroaching waters.
Zilbalodis expressed his thoughts backstage, stating, “I think you can express a lot more without words. Some of these emotions and ideas I couldn’t articulate with words but with music, sound, movement and editing, I can say a lot more.”
He emphasized the cinematic power of non-verbal storytelling, which transcends cultural barriers.
This is only the second animated film directed by Zilbalodis.
In his acceptance speech, Zilbalodis acknowledged those who supported him, stating, “Thank you to my mom and dad. Thank you to my cats and dogs. I’m really, moved by the warm reception our film has had. I hope this will open doors to independent animation filmmakers around the world.”
He also highlighted the significance of “Flow” as the first Latvian film to receive an Oscar nomination, expressing optimism for future success.
The victory of “Flow” was met with enthusiasm in Latvia, with a special commemorative stamp being released to celebrate the achievement.
Latvian President Edgars Rink?vi?s commented on the win, describing it as a “great and historic day for Latvia,” and expressing the pride and joy felt by the nation.
Additionally, Prime Minister Evika Sili?a shared her enthusiasm, noting the film’s global appeal.
Zilbalodis’ unexpected success at the Oscars has been welcomed in the wider awards circuit, having already claimed a victory for Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globe Awards and receiving nominations from various prestigious entities, including the Critics Choice Awards, Annie Awards, and the British Academy Film Awards.
The film is a collaborative effort with producers Mat?ss Kaža, Ron Dyens, and Gregory Zalcman, and is a Latvian, French, and Belgian co-production.
“Flow” was also in contention for Best International Feature Film, marking a first for a Latvian entry at the Oscars.
The film surpassed notable contenders such as “The Wild Robot,” Disney’s “Inside Out 2,” and the Claymation titles “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” and “Memoir of a Snail.”
In addition, Iranian filmmakers Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi received their first Oscar for an animated short film with “In the Shadow of the Cypress.”
This award marks the first win for an Iranian animated or live-action short film at the Oscars.
The short presents a creative narrative centered on the bond between a father, a former captain coping with PTSD, and his daughter.
Molayemi addressed the challenges they faced, commenting on their economic struggles and the impact of sanctions, stating, “It’s a very long story and it’s not feasible to explain all of it at this moment. We are living on sanctions. Our national currency is devaluing and shrinking every day. The most important thing is the economic crisis.”
Sohani discussed their future aspirations, mentioning their interest in producing a feature-length animated movie.
