The Latvian film 'Flow' made history by becoming the first Latvian film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 97th Academy Awards. The wordless cat parable captured the hearts of Latvians, leading to a sleepless night of celebration following the prestigious accolade.
'Flow' triumphed over DreamWorks Animations' 'The Wild Robot' in an unexpected upset at the Oscars ceremony, which aired in the early hours of Monday in Latvia. The film, directed by Gints Zilbalodis, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 and has since garnered immense support from the Latvian audience.
The National Film Centre of Latvia hailed 'Flow' as an unprecedented phenomenon in Latvian cinema history. Over 320,000 people flocked to theaters across Latvia to watch the film, marking it as the most-watched movie in the country in the last three decades. Additionally, more than 15,000 visitors viewed the film's Golden Globe Award on display at the Latvian National Museum of Art.
In his acceptance speech, Zilbalodis expressed gratitude to his pets and acknowledged the significance of the win for Latvia. The film also received a nomination for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars, further solidifying its impact on the global stage.
'Flow,' known as 'Straume' in Latvian, tells a poignant story of survival amidst a post-apocalyptic flood, featuring a diverse group of animals navigating the rising waters. The film's lack of dialogue emphasizes the unique relationships and understanding between the characters, captivating audiences with its visual storytelling.
The Oscar win sparked jubilation across Latvia, with President Edgars Rinkevics and Prime Minister Evika Silina lauding the film's achievement. An art installation in Riga featuring the iconic black cat from 'Flow' has become a popular spot for locals and tourists to commemorate the historic win.
Oscars host Conan O'Brien playfully challenged Estonia to follow Latvia's success, prompting a friendly response from Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal. The victory of 'Flow' has not only brought pride to Latvia but also highlighted the country's burgeoning presence in the international film industry.
