Spotlight | Cartoon Movie

“Flow” by Gints Zilbalodis ©Dream Well / Sacrebleu Productions / CINÉ-LITTÉ Productions

Latvian animation is not just going with the flow – they are shaping it

Latvia’s animation industry is thriving, especially after the international success of Flow by Gints Zilbalodis – the film has been recognised by the European Film Awards (EFA) and the 82nd Golden Globes.

Flow is also nominated in the Animated Feature Film and International Feature Film categories for the 97th Academy Awards.

However, Latvia’s animation industry didn't grow overnight. It has been a key part of the country’s cinema and visual arts for decades. In the 1960s, two-dimensional cut-out and spatial puppet animation began to emerge, driven by pioneers like studios Dauka and Animācijas Brigāde and auteurs Roze Stiebra, Ansis Bērziņš, Jānis Cimmermanis, and others. It all began with a focus on short films, with the first feature-length animation being made mere 34 years ago. After overcoming challenges following Latvia regaining independence in the 1990s, the industry continued to grow, with studios like Rija Films blending the expertise of experienced professionals with new talent to create compelling works.

“Born in the Jungle” by Edmunds Jansons ©Atom Art / Letko / Hausboot

The tradition of animated shorts remains strong, with films frequently selected for major festivals. Notable examples include To Swallow a Toad (Jurģis Krāsons, 2010) at Cannes, Awesome Beetle’s Colors (Indra Sproģe, 2016), Comeback (Vladimirs Leščovs, 2021) at Annecy, Guard of Honour (Edmunds Jansons, 2022) at Clermont-Ferrand, Hush Hush Little Bear (Māra Liniņa, 2022) at Berlinale or Freeride in C (Edmunds Jansons, 2024) at Ottawa International Animation Festival.

Recently, the industry has flourished, with more feature-length films being produced each year. Auteurs like Signe Baumane (Rocks in My Pockets, 2014, My Love Affair with Marriage, 2022), Edmunds Jansons (Jacob, Mimmi and the Talking Dogs, 2019), Ilze Burkovska-Jacobsen (My Favorite War, 2020), and, of course, Gints Zilbalodis (Away, 2019, Flow, 2024) showcase the variety of themes, genres, and techniques that make Latvian animation stand out internationally. However, the standout films recognized at international festivals are just a glimpse of the vast potential of Latvian animation.

“Karmic Knot” by Signe Baumane ©Studio Locomotive / My Marriage Project

Latvian artists' works are known for their incredible diversity, both in techniques – such as 2D animation, puppets, clay, sand, felt, and 3D animation – and in themes. Popular topics include strong female characters, coming-of-age stories, and explorations of personal and collective memories. Latvian history is often used as both a unique backdrop and a central theme. This year’s selection of three Latvian films – Born in the Jungle (Edmunds Jansons, Atom Art), Karmic Knot (Signe Baumane, Studio Locomotive), and The Northern Star (Kārlis Vītols, Studija Kokles) at Cartoon Movie highlights this blend of storytelling, strong characters, and animation tradition. From captivating tales for children to thought-provoking works for adults, there’s something for everyone.

“The Northern Star” by Karlis Vitols ©Studija Kokles / Yabunousagi

Today, Latvia is a remarkable creative hub for animation. Studios like Atom Art, Dream Well Studio, Rija Films, Studija Kokle, Studio Locomotive, VFS Films, and others are pushing the boundaries of animation while honoring their artistic heritage. By contributing to international projects, including animation services for films like The Triplets of Belleville, Kirikou, and Chico & Rita, and co-producing with countries such as France, Belgium, Estonia, Czechia, Poland, Norway, Canada and others, Latvian animation has become a symbol of high quality. For those looking to invest in a growing industry that values collaboration and originality, Latvian animation offers not just stories worth telling but partnerships worth building.