LOS ANGELES (AP) — At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, the animated feature "Flow" achieved a monumental victory by winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. This win not only marks the first Academy Award for its Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, but it also signifies a historic moment for Latvia, making it the first film from the country to receive this prestigious accolade.
"Flow" is creatively remarkable for its lack of dialogue, telling the story of a black cat, dog, capybara, ring-tailed lemur, and secretary bird struggling to survive after their world is inundated by catastrophic flooding. Utilizing Blender, a free and open-source graphics software, Zilbalodis embarked on creating this unique film over the course of five years, culminating in success both critically and commercially.
After making its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was received with acclaim, "Flow" went on to gross around $20 million worldwide against a modest budget of $3.6 million. The film's ability to captivate audiences without the use of spoken dialogue has drawn comparisons to timeless cinematic works. Zilbalodis noted backstage after receiving the Oscar, “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.”
The film's acclaim extended beyond the Oscars; it won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and was nominated for Best International Feature Film. It stood out among formidable nominees, including Disney's "Inside Out 2," the critically praised "The Wild Robot," "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl," and the stop-motion animated film "Memoir of a Snail." Such competition underscored the significance of Zilbalodis' independent film triumphing against major studio projects.
"Flow" has ignited inspiration among independent filmmakers, embodying the spirit of creativity and determination. Zilbalodis remarked, "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." His words resonate with the hopes of many creators striving for recognition within the film industry.
Reviewers have praised the film for its enchanting visuals and storytelling approach. Critics have lauded it as “one of the most groundbreaking animated films about nature since ‘Bambi’,” as stated by IndieWire. The movie’s animation quality evokes classic traits reminiscent of Disney’s golden age animators, capturing the nuances of animal behavior and interaction.
Following its Oscar win, the film was celebrated not just for the artistic achievement it embodies, but for its cultural significance, too. Zilbalodis commented on this, saying, "This is the first time a film from Latvia has ever been nominated. So it really means a lot to us." This sentiment highlights more than just the film’s success; it reflects on how the film industry has the power to uplift and unite nations through storytelling.
Beyond film accolades, the president of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, expressed his support, celebrating the team's accomplishment. "Great moment for the team, great moment for Latvia!" he tweeted after the Golden Globe win.
Despite its humble beginnings, finding production support and distribution was no small feat for Zilbalodis and his team. The achievement signifies the possibility of independent films standing tall at prestigious platforms traditionally dominated by larger studios. Studio Ghibli’s "The Boy and the Heron" won the award last year, and it seems there is now a rising trend where international indie films are gaining strong footholds at the Oscars.
Filmmakers from around the globe have expressed admiration for Zilbalodis' work. Iranian directors Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani also made headlines at the awards, with their animated short film, "The Shadow of the Cypress," winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Short. This marked another historic moment as it was the first win for Iran. Their delight paralleled the happiness expressed by the Latvian film team, anchoring the power of independent storytelling.
Leading up to this prestigious event, "Flow" swept several awards at various global film festivals, and its Oscar win is seen as the culmination of years of hard work and creative aspiration. For Zilbalodis, the need for collaborative and supportive international cinema is something he strongly believes in. His statement rings true for diverse creators, saying, "We are all in the same boat and must overcome our differences to find ways to work together.”
Now, with its Oscar win, "Flow" not only showcases the artistry of animation but also the potential for voices from smaller nations to make significant impacts on international cinema. The film’s legacy will likely open avenues for future filmmakers from Latvia and beyond.
Stay tuned for more thrilling stories as the world of animation continues to evolve, with independent films like "Flow" leading the charge.