This animated feature took home the Best Animated Feature Oscar at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025. It is the first time a film from Latvia has been nominated for and won an Academy Award.
A Unique Cinematic Experience
“Flow,” directed by Gints Zilbalodis, takes a unique approach to storytelling with its 83-minute run devoid of any dialogue. The story centers on a cat who leaves his home after it floods and sets off with other animals through a post-human landscape. By telling a story without a single word, audiences can resonate with the emotions and experiences of the characters with little separation through language.
Production and Reception
The movie has been produced via the open-source application Blender and demonstrates the strength of accessible technology in achieving high-grade animation. With a humble $3.6 million USD budget, “Flow” has grossed $20 million worldwide, making it the most-viewed theatrical release in Latvian history. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it drew critical praise for its innovative format and gripping storytelling.
Challenging the behemoths of the industry
“It’s definitely a huge sentiment to see ‘Flow’ up in this arena with many heavyweights, finally many studios and franchises that are very very popular. The nominees included:
“Inside Out 2”: Inside the head of now-teen-aged Riley Anderson, we see her tumultuous journey through puberty with new personified emotions invading her psyche in a Pixar sequel.
“The Wild Robot”: Based on a popular book by Peter Brown, this film follows a high-tech robot who must integrate into an animal neighborhoood in the remote wilderness.
People
“Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”: The beloved British stop-motion duo are back in action and this time they’re facing their penguin archnemesis, Feathers McGraw. 
“Memoir of a Snail”: A tragicomedy from Adam Elliot, the Australian animator behind films with his distinct narrative style in stop-motion animation.
A feat remarkable enough considering one actually was an even more independent production, and all the high-profile contenders, but “Flow” managed to beat them all and that’s a major, not to say definitive nod to Academy’s favoring to more experimental stories and artistic expression.
Director’s Vision and Impact
And Gints Zilbalodis, who helmed “Flow,” thanked his family in the speech he gave upon accepting the award, saying “there’s no culture without unity.”” Despite a very small crew and only a handful of resources, his passion for this project over the course of many years should demonstrate the potential of what can be done with independent animation. It is expected that the success of “Flow” will serve as an inspiration for other independent filmmakers, demonstrating that informative stories can go beyond the constraints of budget scales and connect with audiences around the world.
International Recognition
Not just in Latvia, but internationally, the film’s achievement has ebbed and flowed. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics called the victory ”a proud moment” for the country, as Latvian cinema has increasingly garnered attention on the international stage. “Flow,” which took home the Golden Globe for Best Animated Film in January, also proved itself to be one of the most iconic productions in the animation industry.
Changing the Landscape of Animation
But given the traditional studio productions so far in this category, “Flow’s” Oscar win represents a change in the overall animation landscape where independent and international films have become more visible. This trend has been beneficial to the diversity of voices and kinds of art, ultimately leading to a richer experience overall around the world.
“Flow” has not only set a precedent for Latvian cinema but also for independent animated films worldwide. Its success at the Oscars serves as an inspiration for filmmakers who seek to tell unique stories, proving that innovation and passion can lead to global recognition.