By Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
The 2025 Golden Globes were a night to remember for Latvia as Gints Zilbalodis’ animated film Flow won Best Motion Picture – Animated. This marked the first time a Latvian film received such recognition, making it a historic moment for the country’s small film industry.
“This is the first time a film from Latvia has been here,” Zilbalodis said during his speech. “It’s huge for us. Our team is small and young, but we are very passionate.”
A Story About Survival and Teamwork
Flow tells the story of a black cat who lives alone until a great flood destroys its home. Forced to escape, the cat finds safety on a boat with animals from different species. Though they are all very different, they must learn to trust and work together to survive.
“This story feels very personal to me,” Zilbalodis explained. “I used to work alone on my films, but for Flow, I had to work with a team. Like the cat, I learned how to trust others and overcome differences. I think that’s a lesson we all need today.”
Beating the Odds
Flow was an underdog in the competition, going up against big studio films like Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot. Despite not having the resources of a major studio, the film stood out for its unique animation and emotional story.
A Unique Style
One of the most striking things about Flow is its lack of dialogue. Instead, the film uses visuals and music to tell its story. The animation combines simple, artistic designs with realistic touches, creating a dreamlike world that feels alive.
The film’s message of teamwork and unity is told through the cat’s journey with other animals. Their growing bond, despite their differences, is the heart of the story.
A Win for Latvian Cinema
This Golden Globe win adds to the success of Flow, which also became the first Latvian film shortlisted for an Oscar in the Best International Feature category. Zilbalodis ended his speech with gratitude, saying, “Thank you for embracing our little cat film.”
