Italian
A new wave in animation: ‘Flow’ set for U.S. release
A cinematic journey begins
The animated feature Flow, which captivated audiences at the Cannes Film Festival and was chosen as Latvia’s official submission for the Best International Feature Oscar, is gearing up for an awards-season release in the United States. The film will debut in New York and Los Angeles on November 22, with a nationwide rollout to follow, courtesy of Janus Films and Sideshow.
A tale of survival and friendship
Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, Flow narrates the story of a brave cat whose home is obliterated by a devastating flood. Accompanied by a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a dog, the cat embarks on a treacherous voyage by boat in search of dry land. This unlikely ensemble must depend on trust and courage to navigate the perils of their newly aquatic world. For a glimpse into this mesmerizing journey, check out the Flow trailer.
The powerhouses behind the film
Janus Films and Sideshow, known for their work on Oscar-nominated films like EO, All That Breathes, and Drive My Car, are backing Flow. These companies have a track record of promoting films that resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike. If Flow secures nominations for both international feature and animated feature, it would follow in the footsteps of the acclaimed Flee (2021), which also earned a nomination for documentary feature.
A competitive year for animation
Flow isn’t the only animated film aiming for historical recognition this year. Piece by Piece, a Lego-style documentary on the life of Pharrell Williams produced by Focus Features, is also vying for accolades in both the documentary and animation categories. This competition highlights the evolving landscape of animated storytelling, where innovation and emotional depth are increasingly celebrated.
Accolades and critical acclaim
Flow premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes in May and garnered four awards at the Annecy Film Festival in June: the Audience Award, Jury Award, Special Prize for Original Music, and the Gan Foundation Award for Distribution. The film currently holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A prominent film critic described the film as “hypnotic” and “radically different from the look or feel of other toons (and yet strangely video game-like in its design).”
The creative minds behind ‘Flow’
In addition to directing, Zilbalodis composed the film’s score with Rihards Zalupe and co-wrote the screenplay with Matiss Kaza. Zilbalodis and Kaza also produced the film alongside Ron Dyens and Gregory Zalcman. Zilbalodis made his feature debut at the age of 24 with Away, which won the Contrechamp Prize for best feature film at Annecy and went on to play at over 85 festivals, earning a nomination at the Annie Awards.
Expanding horizons
Flow will also be distributed in Benelux by Le Parc Distribution and UFO in France in October, ensuring that this captivating story reaches a global audience. The film’s unique blend of visual storytelling and emotional depth promises to leave a lasting impact on viewers worldwide.
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, Flow represents a refreshing departure from conventional animated films. Its narrative, centered on survival and the bonds formed in adversity, resonates on a deeply human level. The film’s visual style, described as both hypnotic and video game-like, offers a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from other animated features. This blend of innovation and emotional storytelling is what makes Flow a standout in the world of animation.
For those who appreciate the art of cinema, Flow is a must-watch. Its journey from a festival favorite to a potential Oscar contender is a testament to the power of storytelling and the universal appeal of animated films. As we await its release, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally compelling cinematic experience.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit the Flow trailer.
