At the 2025 Oscars held on March 2, the animated film Flow, directed by Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, made history by winning the prestigious award for Best Animated Feature. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the film's unique creativity but also marks it as the first production from Latvia to win this accolade, showcasing the power of independent cinema.
What set Flow apart from other nominees such as Inside Out 2, Memoir of a Snail, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and The Wild Robot was its innovative storytelling style—telling its tale entirely without dialogue. Instead, the emotional narrative is conveyed through stunning animation and the natural sound design of animals, generated with the help of field recordings, including those made at real zoos. This choice was compared favorably to classical silent cinema, which relied heavily on visual storytelling. Zilbalodis emphasized this point during his acceptance speech, saying, "My main goal was to provoke emotions in the audience. It matters not just to understand the plot but to feel the emotional voyage.”
Using Blender, open-source animation software, Zilbalodis spent over five years crafting this work of art. With only about ten people involved at its peak and with a budget of approximately 3.5 million euros (around 4 million dollars), Flow stands as a beacon of what can be accomplished on limited resources. For comparison, many major animated films from large studios typically exceed budgets of 70 million dollars.
Flow originated as Zilbalodis’s student project titled Aqua, created when he was still in high school. The story has since evolved, now detailing the trials of a cat who must navigate a flood-ravaged world and form connections with other animals on his rescue vessel. The characters, especially the protagonist and his dog companion, are inspired by Zilbalodis's own pets, showcasing realism through their movements and behaviors, as he studied their antics for recreation.
The film's minimalist approach, starkly contrasting the flashy animation typically associated with big-budget productions, showcases the emotional weight of themes such as resilience, collaboration, and acceptance. It highlights the importance of community—a theme reflected both through the narrative and the director's own growth during the collaborative production process. Zilbalodis acknowledged this synergy, remarking, “I had to learn to collaborate with a team to bring this film to life—mirroring the protagonist's adventure from isolation to community.”
Adding to the film's charm is the character of the capybara, heralded by audiences as one of the most endearing parts of the story. Interestingly, the character's voice was created not with real capybara calls—which were too high-pitched—but through recordings of baby camels, resulting in a warmer, more inviting sound.
Guillermo del Toro, acclaimed filmmaker and industry stalwart, expressed his admiration for Flow on social media, hailing it as “a magnificent start for the future of animation.” This praise from such a recognized figure showcases the broader impact Flow is having within and outside the independent film community.
Beyond the Oscars, Flow has made waves at various film festivals, including Cannes 2024, where it was celebrated with a standing ovation and multiple awards at the Annecy 2024 Festival. These accolades paved the way for its Oscar nomination and win.
Zilbalodis's dedication to authenticity extends beyond mere visuals; every aspect of Flow embodies the synergistic essence of storytelling. The research involved recording real animal behaviors and the creative processes mirrored the challenges faced by the characters on-screen. Connecting with the audience during his acceptance speech, he said, “I hope to inspire more people to see animation as rich and evocative as any other art form.”
The victory of Flow is also a significant cultural moment for Latvia, as it not only broke records by becoming the highest-grossing film ever from the country but also served as national pride after sweeping numerous prestigious awards including the Golden Globe. Following its win, the Golden Globe trophy was displayed at the National Museum of History of Latvia as a symbol of cultural pride.
While the Oscars recognized the contributions of various artistic endeavors, Flow's triumph stands as proof of the strength of storytelling devoid of traditional dialogues. It encourages art from all corners, reinforcing the idea demonstrating one does not require vast resources to resonate universally.
Reflecting on the response to the film, Zilbalodis expressed gratitude during the ceremony, stating, “This means so much for us. We feel inspired and hope to return soon, recognizing we are all in the same boat, working together.” Flow undoubtedly showcases the transformative power of independent animation, possible through collaboration and dedication.
From its initial vision to standing out among significant Oscar contenders, Flow exemplifies what can be created with ingenuity, heart, and passion. It sends out one clear message: great stories come from all corners of the world, proving once and for all - the art of animation is far from being just for children and can be truly transformative.