After “Flow” became the first Latvian film To win an Oscar Prize, the crew received much more than a warm welcome at home. Producer Matiss Kaza told Indiewire that when the Latvian filmmakers returned from Los Angeles, they were treated as if they not only won Oscar but Olympic gold.
“There was a special event at Monument of Freedom in the center of Riga to welcome (us),” Kaza said. “Thousands gathered despite the late hour. A few days later, the entire team visited the president of Latvia. The three major trophies received from Flow Shown at the National Museum of Art, where they were seen by more than 28,000 people. Now the trophies are touring the less Latvian cities, such as Liepāja, Cēis and Rēzekne so that fans in (these) regions can also see them personally. The nation is extremely proud of the performance, and it is proof of the fact that culture from small countries can have a worldwide impact and reach. ”
The sweetest view of national pride for Animated function Has been a real replica of his cat protagonist who is at the top of the “Rīga” letter statue that is close to Freedom Monument. Director Gints Zilbalodis Gave design details to the sculptor Kristaps Anderson, who created a version with greater than the life of the cat, the eyes wide and tail curled in its characteristic mix of wonder and anxiety. The sculpture will be shown near Freedom Monument until April 1, after which it will be moved to City Hall square in Riga – although the sculpture’s ultimate home is still unknown.
Zilbalodis had played with the idea of a cat who struggled with a fear of water before turning it into the wordless film film but returned to it as a way to express very human emotions and anxiety. “Cats are very independent and do things in their own way and (I thought) that can be a good starting point for this character’s bow,” Zilbadolis told IndieWire. “It can eventually learn to work with others. It was also like, I was afraid to work together, but I thought that if I made a story about it, I would have no excuse to back it out. It would be woven into the story. It was my way to trick myself to do something I am afraid of.”
If you want a photo with the tricky, brave cat from “flow” – and experience some pride in one of the major indie success stories from 2024 – you have until April 1.
