Latvian animation sensation Gints Zilbalodis has been the sole animation candidate in this year's 77th edition of the Cannes Festival (not counting the Honorary Palme d'Or to Studio Ghibli). His sophomore feature, 'Flow', a co-production between Dream Well (Latvia), Sacre­bleu Productions (France), and Take Five (Belgium),  was selected for the festival's Un Certain Regard section (in competition).

This is the same placement that Oscar-winner Michael Dudok de Wit secured with his first animation feature 'The Red Turtle' in 2016, winning a special prize.

Yet this is the second animation feature for the Latvian director. His first 3D animation feature, 'Away', won the 2019 Annecy Contrechamp Competition, one of the 13 awards bestowed to the film. 

After a terrible flood wreaks havoc on the world, a stubbornly independent Cat is forced to share a small boat with a group of other animals. Getting along with them turns out to be an even greater challenge for him than surviving the flood. - 'Flow' Film Synopsis

Zilbalodis scripted, animated, and scored his first feature. He has more help on his second feature, but he seems to have a heavy hand in the creative process as well. He previously told Zippy Frames about his art direction process (he also scores 'Flow').

I spent almost the first two years developing and exploring various tools and workflows. The goal is to create a balance of a striking, graphic look and an immersive world that feels alive - Gints Zilbalodis

 The French sales company Charades represents the 84-minute, 3D computer animation film. 

Watch the first clip from 'Flow'

There is a palpable sense of wonder among the water ruins in the first clip of 'Flow', accompanied to a Venice-like sight of buildings and a restless camera representing the Cat's changing surroundings. We're waiting for the rest.

'Flow' premieres on 22nd May at the 77th Cannes Film Festival (14-25 May 2024). The president of the Un Certain Regard Jury is Canadian filmmaker Xavier Dolan.

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