Latvia Achieves First Oscar Nominations with 'Flow'

The Latvian animated film 'Flow,' directed by Gints Zilbalodis, has made history by receiving two Oscar nominations for the 97th Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature Film. This marks the first time a Latvian film has been nominated for an Academy Award, following previous submissions that did not reach this stage. 'Flow' tells the story of a cat displaced by a flood, who must team up with other animals to survive, showcasing a blend of naturalism and fiction in its animation style. The film has garnered numerous accolades, including wins at the Annecy Festival and a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature. Its success at the Golden Globes saw it triumph over notable competitors from major studios. The film was co-produced by Latvian, French, and Belgian studios and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival before being released in U.S. cinemas in November 2024.