"Flow," directed by Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, is a remarkable animated feature that took five and a half years to create using Blender, a free and open-source 3D software. The film's journey began in 2019, with Zilbalodis dedicating the first year to writing the script, mastering Blender, and seeking funding under his Dream Well Studio.
By 2020, after securing initial funding, Zilbalodis collaborated with artists and developers in a co-working space, gradually assembling a small yet dedicated team. The Latvian studio comprised about 15 to 20 individuals, though typically only three to five worked concurrently, reflecting the project's intimate scale.
A significant aspect of "Flow" is its extensive depiction of water, a challenge adeptly handled by team Martins Upitis and Konstantīns Višņevskis. Upitis developed a Blender add-on specifically for the film's complex water simulations, which has since been made publicly available.
The production timeline was as follows:
2019: Scriptwriting, learning Blender, and initial fundraising.
2020: Secured funding; began collaboration with artists and developers.
2021: Expanded the team with concept artists, riggers, and developers to streamline the workflow.
2022: Belgian and French co-producers ed, enhancing character animation and other aspects.
2024: "Flow" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
The dedication invested in "Flow" has been richly rewarded. The film has garnered over 60 awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Animated Picture and an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and becoming Latvia's most-viewed theatrical film.
Flow" offers a meditative and poetic narrative on climate change and the interdependence of animal life. Its wordless approach and surreal, sensory experience have captivated audiences, making it a standout in contemporary animation.
For those interested in innovative animation and compelling storytelling, "Flow" is a film not to be missed. Catch it at the Grosvenor next week, starting on Friday 28th March 2025.
