On December 7, the 37th European Film Academy Awards ceremony took place in Lucerne, Switzerland, where the best films and filmmakers of 2024 were honored. Among the winners was Gints Zilbalodis’s animated film “stream,” which emerged victorious over competitors from France, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
Upon receiving the prestigious award, director Gints Zilbalodis expressed his gratitude to those who believed in the project, noting that such a film could only be made in Europe and not in the large U.S. market. Producer Matīss Kaža highlighted the meaning of recognition for a young team from Latvia.
“Stream” Praised by European Critics
European journalists and film critics attending the ceremony praised “Stream” as a significant animated film that moved audiences in unexpected ways. Czech film journalist Hedvika Petrželková described it as one of the best animated films in recent years, noting its authenticity and fairy-tale-like quality. She recalled the premiere in Cannes, where the audience was deeply moved by the film’s portrayal of human emotions through animal characters.
“Everyone around cried from emotion, because they recognized human emotions in these animals,” petrželková said.
Spanish film critic Luis Martínez from the newspaper “El Mundo” was particularly affected by the film’s theme of floods, which resonated with recent catastrophic floods in southeastern Spain. He believes the film’s message of cooperation is particularly relevant in Spain at this moment.
“This idea that the future is only possible through cooperation is naive, but in Spain it is particularly crucial at the moment, because we have experienced such floods in reality. Therefore, I have no doubt that ‘Stream’ will be a great success in Spain,” Martínez admitted.
Czech film journalist Marcel Šmid was fascinated by the technical aspects of the animation, noting that “Stream” stands out from the typical big studio productions. He emphasized that the film demonstrates that stunning animation can be created without a huge budget or large teams.
Director Finds Time to Work on New Projects Amidst Travel
Director Gints Zilbalodis has been on the road for several months,promoting ”Stream” and attending various film festivals. Despite the fatigue, he considers it a marvelous experience. He mentioned that he has spent more time abroad than at home in Latvia and has even started working on his next film during his travels.
“sometimes the only time I can do anything is on the plane, because other times there is no time.There is no one to disturb me on the plane, and then I can work on the next project,” Zilbalodis said.
The success of ”Stream” has not only brought international recognition to the Latvian filmmaking team but has also highlighted the unique storytelling and animation techniques that set it apart from mainstream productions. As the film continues to tour and gain acclaim, it serves as a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the importance of collaboration in the face of adversity.
Amid the bustling world of animation, latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis has carved a unique niche for himself. With a steady stream of ideas and a commitment to his craft, Zilbalodis is preparing for his next big project.”I need a routine, and in my understanding, routine is my work - it also helps me to relax a little,” he shares. ”Later, those ideas may not be available anymore, so we should use them while they are available. And we have to prepare for the future – there are financial tenders,and if we miss them,we have to wait another whole year.”
As Zilbalodis gears up for his next venture,he reflects on the journey that brought him to this point. One of the producers of his critically acclaimed film “Straume,” Frenchman Ron Diens, reveals that he was drawn to Zilbalodis’s talent even before the film’s release. “The world really needs this sensitivity that Gint Zilbalodi has. That’s why my job is to help the film reach as many people as possible,and now we’re seeing how successful it is in the US cinemas,” Diens says. “I’m very happy that I sent a message to Gint after watching the movie ‘Gone’ on Facebook. I joked that I could retire now,because it will be arduous to beat something like that. But, fortunately, Gints offered me to work on his next project as well.”
French Producer Ron Diens Noticed Gints Zilbalodis Before “Straume”
Diens, who has worked with many internationally acclaimed films during his career, was impressed by Zilbalodis’s first film, “Gone.” His decision to approach Zilbalodis for collaboration proved to be a wise one, as “Straume” has garnered significant attention and praise. The film’s success in the United States is a testament to Zilbalodis’s talent and the power of international collaboration.
Interest in ”Straume” spreads to the United States
Matiss Kaza, a producer on “Straume,” has been overwhelmed by the response to the film since its recent premiere in the United States. “Lately, I have not been separated from my phone for a moment, because after the recent premiere in the USA, reviews are constantly arriving, which I am happy to post on ‘Straume’s’ social networks,” he says. “The articles and reviews are laudatory, and the frequently mentioned name of Latvia is also pleasing.”
What sets “Straume” apart is its Latvian origin, which is highlighted in many US reviews. “It is indeed emphasized that a Latvian film has never been so widely distributed or entered such a strong competitive position for the Oscars,” Kaza explains. ”This is what americans care about. And it’s not bad at all,as it draws attention to our industry as a whole,and also to the Baltics as a cinema region.”
Kaza is working on an extensive film distribution campaign for the first time and calls it an invaluable experience.”Now there are more opportunities for future projects to develop, both for us as authors, for the studio, and for the Latvian film industry as a whole. In the next two years, as the memory is short, we have to press the gas to the floor and with all the pedals so that we continue to be noticed. That chest is open. The door is open,” he believes.
State Support for film Production Lags in the Baltics
Though, to sustain the attention paid to latvia, state support for film production should be at least twice as large, Kaza emphasizes. Currently, it is seven million euros per year, compared to 11 million in Lithuania and 15 million in Estonia. “In order to be able to adequately absorb the attention paid to Latvia, we need more resources to invest in our film industry,” he says. “We have the talent and the potential, but we need the support to take it to the next level.”
As Zilbalodis and his team prepare for their next project, they remain committed to pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling. With a growing international audience and a renewed focus on the potential of the Latvian film industry, the future looks shining for this talented filmmaker and his collaborators.
Amidst the glitz and glamour of the international film scene, Latvian animation “Stream” has captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike, proving that creativity and talent can flourish even in the face of budgetary constraints. the film’s success has sparked a conversation about the need for increased funding for the Latvian cinema industry, a sector that, despite its potential, struggles with limited resources.
With a production budget of three and a half million euros, of which the National Cinema Center contributed 800 thousand, “Stream” has become a symbol of what can be achieved with determination and a little bit of magic. Matīss Kaža, a key figure in the Latvian film industry, candidly admits, “let’s be honest – currently the cinema budget in latvia is ridiculous. As a minimum, we need two, and then it would be normal. Then it wouldn’t be good, but normal. If there were two, comma, five, then it would be good. Or else, we’re just messing around with small budgets.”
The strategy of the National Cinema Center has always been to spread the funding as widely as possible, but with limited resources, many projects remain in a state of limbo. Dita Rietuma, head of the National Cinema Center, acknowledges the funding challenge, stating, “I’m really proud of this team, and I’m proud of Latvian cinema, which, living in such semi-starvation conditions compared to other countries, is still able to create competitive works that are noticed both in Europe and, hopefully, in other continents as well. ‘Stream’ shows us that we can create films and animation. Maybe we should create animation even more thoroughly, marking Latvia as an animation powerhouse.”
Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce, a member of the “progressives” party, attended the award ceremony in Lucerne, where she expressed hope that the film’s success would serve as a compelling argument to convince her government colleagues to increase funding for the Latvian cinema industry in the future. However, she refrains from making any immediate promises of support.
“Stream” and another Latvian project, “Soviet Jeans,” have received international acclaim, demonstrating the global appeal of Latvian cinema and animation. These works have become ambassadors for Latvia, showcasing the country’s creative prowess on the world stage.Lāce emphasizes,”The cinema and animation we create is what brings Latvia’s name to the world,and this connection is no longer something that needs to be proven. That’s why the talks at the government level should also be followed by the understanding that in order for such success to continue, it needs adequate funding. It also means that we would be seen by partners or those who are looking for opportunities to make co-productions. We would be seen by those who want to make cinema and serials in Latvia.We need to create the necessary infrastructure, and the recently signed memorandum on the construction of a cinema pavilion indicates that we see their added value.”
Despite the potential economic and visibility benefits that the film industry could bring to Latvia,next year’s budget does not foresee an increase for the sector. This reality underscores the ongoing struggle for adequate funding in the Latvian film industry.
Despite Foreign Invitations, the Work Will Continue in Latvia
As “Stream” garners more recognition and appreciation, the producer and director find their inboxes flooded with invitations from interested parties from various countries for future collaborations. Gints Zilbalodis, the film’s director, shares, “There are meetings with many producers, directors, and studio representatives, but I also tell them quite clearly that I will not make Shrek 10. I am not interested in it, and I would not be the most suitable for such a film. I do not have specific cooperation plans with other studios, but there are a lot of people who are interested.”
However, Zilbalodis acknowledges the importance of networking with industry professionals from the United States and other countries. He explains,”They will talk to each other about the film and maybe later vote at all award ceremonies. That’s why it’s important that all contacts are there, even if I myself am not actively seeking work opportunities abroad.”
Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, known for his critically acclaimed animated feature “Away,” has no plans to seek out new partnerships, preferring to continue his work in his home country. “I’m not looking for cooperation partners myself. It’s quite clear to me that I want to continue working in Latvia,” Zilbalodis asserts.
Future Projects: A Diverse Path to Avoid Pressure
Reflecting on the potential pressure to follow up the massive success of “Away,” Zilbalodis believes that his varied future projects will actually help him avoid undue stress. The director is focused on building his own brand and reviving a style of cinema that is recognized for its unique directorial touch.
“Gint will make the next film, and it will probably be four or five years from now again,” Zilbalodis shares, hinting at the time frame for his next project.
he has one project that he has chosen, and very wisely, in a completely different direction than this film.
Matīss Kaža, a collaborator of Zilbalodis, explains that the director’s future plans are so distinct from “Away” that they won’t invite direct comparison or pressure. “You simply choose a different direction,” Kaža says, emphasizing the diversity of Zilbalodis’s upcoming projects.
Zilbalodis is currently juggling multiple projects, including two upcoming shows. Following these, he and Yvette Paul will head to the United states to film a groundbreaking pseudo-documentary. “It will be something completely different,” Zilbalodis reveals, adding that the variety of his work keeps him from dwelling on comparisons to his past successes.
There are a lot of different things to do, and then I don’t have that much time to think about how it will now compare with another project I’m making,” Zilbalodis muses.
As Zilbalodis forges ahead with his eclectic slate of projects, he remains committed to his vision and his roots in Latvia, ensuring that each new endeavor is a testament to his creative versatility and dedication to the craft.
