On March 29, 2024, Sabine Andersone assumes the role of the head of the Latvian Animation Association.

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The LAA members sincerely thank the former head of LAA Anna Zaca for the thorough work through the 8 years of running the association and wish her the best in her future endeavours!

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Sabine, the founder and CEO of the acclaimed 2D animation studio Atom Art, is among the most seasoned Latvian producers, boasting nearly 15 years of experience across various genres and formats of animated films, and is one of the co-founders of LAA.

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Congratulations to the new head of the association and we wish her every success!

Five animated films will compete for the highest award in Latvian cinema Lielais Kristaps 2023.

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In 2023, the nominees for the Best Animated Film are:

• BEIGU BEIGAS (dir. Linda Sture);

• KĀJĀM GAISĀ (dir. Dace Riduze);

• KUR MANAS ATSLĒGAS? (dir. Indra Sproge);

• LIELAIS INDRIĶIS (dir. Janis Cimmermanis);

• SIRDS LIKUMS (dir. Roze Stiebra).

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All of the directors are also nominated for the Best Animated Film Director award, and their artists will compete for the honor of the Best Animated Film Artist. We are happy to see  a couple of animation films among the nominees of the Best Student Film category as well!

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The awards will be given out on February 4, 2024. Looking forward!

Latvia will be the guest country at the 18th edition of the Romania's premier animation festival Animest (6-15 October, 2023)!

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Come and get to know

Sabine Andersone and Edmunds Jansons who will be representing the guest studio in spotlight Atom Art, as well as their film JACOB, MIMMI AND THE TALKING DOGS (and more!),

Ilze Burkovska Jacobsen (Ego Media & Bivrost Film) with her film MY FAVORITE WAR,

and Anna Zaca, Head of the Board of the Latvian Animation Association.

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Come, mingle and watch 16 more amazing Latvian films included in the programme!

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Still from THE KIOSK, dir. Anete Melece, 2013

Latvia goes to Annecy International Animation Film Festival!

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Indra Sproge's WHERE IS THE KEY? (prod. Infinity BOX) has been selected for the competition and included in the Short Film Perspectives Competition progamme!

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The programme will be screened:

• Monday, June 12: 14:30 Cinema Pathe Pathe 5

• Wednesday, June 14: 15:00 Bonlieu Petite salle

• Friday, June 16: 22:00 Cinema Pathe Pathe 5

• Saturday, June 17: 9:30 Cinema Pathe Pathe 5

Gints Zilbalodis's FLOW (prod. Dream Well Studio) is included in the Annecy WIP sessions.

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Join the project’s team to discover its development stages:

• Tuesday, June 13: 16:30 – 17:45 Salle Pierre Lamy

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Have an exciting preparation for the most important animation festival and see you there - LAA will also be present!

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Still from WHERE IS THE KEY?, dir. Indra Sproge, 2023

Book your dates for Riga International Short Film Festival 2ANNAS Industry Days program 2ANNAS FORUM: Animation DNA!

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Take part in:

• discussion "Animation DNA: Distribution and the role of film festivals", moderated by the head of the LAA Anna Zača;

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• conversation on the mental and physical health of the industry professionals - and a mutual morning workout;

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• masterclass by Ülo Pikkov (Estonia);

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• discussion “Animation DNA: Talking about body and sensuality through animation”;

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• retrospective of Signe Baumane’s shorts "Body and Flesh".

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Admission to all events is free, open to all!

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Industry days are organized with the support of the National Film Centre of Latvia and the Creative Europe MEDIA desk in Latvia.

Best Latvian animated film of 2022 - Signe Baumane's MYLOVE AFFAIR WITH MERRIAGE!

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The winners of the Latvian National Film Award Lielais Kristaps 2022 were disclosed by the end of Ferbuary 2023.

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In total, 4 animated films were up and running for prizes:

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- WONDER WARDROBE, dir. Krista Burāne, art. Kristīne Jurjāne, prod. VFS Films (Best animation film, Best animation film director, Best animation artist)

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- MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MERRIAGE, dir., art. Signe Baumane, prod. Studio Locomotive (Best animation film, Best animation film director, Best animation artist, and Best screenwriter, as well as Best composer (Kristian Sensini))

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- ANGRY BAG, dir. Dace Rīdūze, prod. Animācijas Brigāde (Best animation film, Best animation film director, Best animation artist)

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- ON LINE, dir. Terēze Talita Rozenblate, prod. Latvian Academy of Arts, was nominated for the Best student film

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Congratulations to all the nominees and Signe for receiving prizes for the Best director and artist as well!

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Still from MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MERRIAGE, dir. Signe Baumane, 2022

On January 26 and 27, three Roze Stiebra’s short films are to pop out of the treasure chest of restored shorts of the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2023!

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The film programme A Cornucopia of Visions and Stories that is labeled under the festival section Cinema Regained will feature three of Roze’s beloved by Latvians films from the 70ies and 80ies.

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Along shorts from Hungary’s Sándor Reisenbüchle and [back in the day] Czechoslovakia’s Jaroslava Havettová the spectators will see:

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- THE GOLDEN SIEVE, 1975

- IN MY POCKET, 1983

- BEAR OF HAPPINESS, 1985

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Find out more on the IFFR 2023 catalogue!

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Still from IN MY POCKET, dir. Roze Stiebra, 1983

Congratulations to several animation producers and directors who have received the development funding via the State Culture Capital Foundation:

– Animācijas Brigāde and their feature BITES;

– Atom Art and their short film BEIGU BEIGAS;

– Studio Kokles and their debut short of director Ella Mežule.

Agora, the international meeting and market event, will host an event dedicated to Baltic animated film industry – a roundtable “Animation in the Baltics” moderated by Anna Zača, curator and head of the Latvian Animation Association. 

It will take place on 23 September at 17:40 at Cultural Center of Hermoupolis and will point out the differences in animated film production in Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

Meet the speakers: Gints Zilbalodis (Filmmaker, Animator & part of the Animasyros International & Hellenic Competition Section Jury, Latvia), Janno Põldma (Director, Author, Estonia), Justė Michailinaitė (Producer, Lithuania), Ülo Pikkov (Animator, Estonia).

Telling Stories Is Like Breathing: A Conversation with Signe Baumane. Olga Bobrowska talks to Signe Baumane for Zippy Frames on the occasion of MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MARRIAGE – animation feature coming out at the festival circuit.

See you in Festival international du film d'animation d'Annecy! Together with our Estonian and Lithuanian colleagues you can find us at the Baltic Stand – Nr. C.12! And don't forget about the two Latvian films which have been selected for Annecy Festival: My Love Affair with Marriage by Signe Baumane and Čuči čuči by Māra Liniņa. You can learn more about these films at the Latvian Animation Catalogue!

Cineuropa writes about this year’s Cartoon Movie and two presented Latvian feature-length projects - BORN HAPPY by Edmunds Jansons and FLOW by Gints Zibalodis. Read HERE.

Two Latvian projects have been nominated for the Eurimages CO-PRO­DUC­TION DEVEL­OP­MENT AWARD to run for a cash-prize of €20,000.
> BORN HAPPY
Pro­duced by Atom Art (Latvia, prod. Sabīne Andersone) — Co-pro­duced by Letko (Poland) & Pikkukala (Fin­land)
> FLOW
Pro­duced by Dream Well (Latvia, prod. Gints Zilbalodis and Matīss Kaža) — Co-pro­duced by Sacrebleu Productions (France) & CINÉ-LIT­TÉ Pro­duc­tions (Ger­many).
Projects are participating in the Cartoon Movie Pitching Forum, which begins on 8th March, 2022.

Atom Art has announced a new feature coming out in 2025 – HELLO, OSCAR by Edmunds Jansons and they have published a trailer.

Several of the association's members are nominated for the Latvian National Film Awards Kristaps the Great:

• COMEBACK, director un producer Vladimir Leschiov, LUNOHOD

• HUSH HUSH LITTLE BEAR BY Māra Liniņa, produced by Atom Art

• GUARD OF HONOUR by Edmunds Jansons, produced by Atom Art – currently screened during POFF Shorts and afterwards – Interfilm Berlin.

• IN THE PIPE, directed and produced by Jurģis Krāsons, Krasivo Limited

• THE NAP, by late Nils Skapāns, produced by VFS Films, co produced by Moon Makers (LT)

Riga International Film festival has announced the open call of SHORT RIGA Test Screenings. If you have a short film project in the post production stage in the works, don't hesitate to apply! Various techniques and genres are accepted. Deadline 15th August. More information HERE.

Latvian State Culture Capital Foundation has supported the development of Kārlis Vītols' first feature film THE NORTHERN STAR which is set to premiere in 2025. As well as a project to develop sound design for 6 new student animation films which will be ready autumn 2021.

Gints Zilbalodis has teamed up with a producer Matīss Kaža (Latvia) and co-producer Ron Dyens (France), for his new feature FLOW. A story of a stubbornly independent Cat who is forced to share a small boat with a group of other animals. This project is part of the MIFA Pitches 2021 line-up.

Until April 1, 2024, the Baltic Shorts Residency 2024 is open for short film scripts!

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Film directors and scriptwriters from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are invited to submit short film scripts to the fifth edition of the script development programme.

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3 selected participants will have an intensive script development group workshop and individual consultations with Anna Ciennik on site in Kintai, followed by 2–3 weekly individual online sessions and group session at the end of the programme.

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We wish all the applicants the best of luck in developing their stories!

Signe Baumane's MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MARRIAGE has been longlisted among Oscar candidates!

Of the 33 best animated film category qualifying films, five will be nominated for the shortlist. US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the nominees on January 23, 2024.

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Congratulations to Signe and the producers - we wish you all the best on your way!

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Still from MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MERRIAGE, dir. Signe Baumane, 2022

Great news from the Eurimages!

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In 2023, the Executive Committee of the Eurimages Fund has decided to support co-production of 33 feature films, one of the 2 animated films being BORN HAPPY, produced at the Atom Art studio, directed by Edmunds Jansons.

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Congratulations and we are looking forward for the film in 2024!

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Still from BORN HAPPY, dir. Edmunds Jansons, TBP 2024

Watch the best of world's animation films and support Ukrainian children!

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Throughout the whole day on April 15, 2023, an Animation Film Day will be held in cinema KSuns (Riga, 83/85 Elizabetes Street).

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Admission to all 6 screenings will be free of charge, with an invitation to donate to support Ukrainian children.

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• 11:00 Best of Annecy Kids 2022

• 12:30 We are from Ukraine

• 14:00 Best of Countryside Animafest Cyprus

• 16:00 Estonian Dreams

• 18:00 Human relations

• 20:00 The best of Ottawa 2022

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Follow the ticket link to book a seat (must be booked for each screening separately)!

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The event is organized by the Latvian animation film director Vladimir Leshchiov and studio Lunohod, and supported by the ISFF 2Annas.

Until April 16, 2023, the Baltic Shorts Residency 2023 is open for short film scripts!

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Film directors and scriptwriters from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are invited to submit short film scripts to the fifth edition of the script development programme.

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Three selected participants will meet on 1–18 June in Kintai, a small town in West Lithuania, where together with an experienced scriptwriting consultant Anna Ciennik will develop their newest short film projects.

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We wish all the applicants the best of luck in developing their stories!

This year, the Baltic countries are in focus at the Berlinale’s EFM 2023!

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A delegation of Latvian animation creators registers for the flights: meet us at the Baltic joint stand at the Gropius Bau - G09 / G10 / G11 - or get in touch now to book meetings already with:

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- Atom Art producer Sabīne Andersone (17. – 20.02., sabine@atomart.lv)

- Dream Well Studio director Gints Zilbalodis (16. – 20.02., gintszilbalodis@gmail.com) and producer Matīss Kaža (16. - 22.02., matiss@dreamwell.lv)

- Studio Locomotive producers Roberts Vinovskis (16. – 23.02., office@locomotive.lv) and Dominiks Jarmakovičs (17.-23.02., dominiks@locomotive.lv)

- Tritone Studio directors and producers Raitis Ābele and Lauris Ābele (17. - 22.02., raitis@tritone.lv, lauris@tritone.lv)

- VFS Films producers Uldis Cekulis and Paula Jansone (17. – 22.02., uldis@vfs.lv)

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Follow the National Film Centre of Latvia for the events programme and other opportunities to find out more about the green grass on our side!

We wish you the happiest of year!

As the 2023 just starts unfolding its own new pathways, we are already looking forward to bringing you the best of Latvian animation at the 2023 editions of Clermont ISFF and Annecy Festival.

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This is also to become the birthyear for a bunch of new Latvian animation films:

- BEES, dir. Māris Brinkmanis,

- KĀJĀM GAISĀ, dir. Dace Rīdūze,

- HENRY THE GREAT, dir. Jānis Cimmermanis - prod. by Animācijas Brigāde;

- DOG OF GOD, dir. by Raitis Ābele , prod. by Tritone Studio;

- BEIGU BEIGAS, dir. Linda Stūre, prod. by Atom Art;

- RULE OF HEART, dir. by Roze Stiebra at the Locomotive Productions,

- THE MAGIC WARDROBE, dir. Krista Burāne, prod. by VFS Films.

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May 2023 bring freshness in permanence and comfort in transformation!

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Still from WAITING FOR THE NEW YEAR, dir. Vladimirs Leščovs, prod. Lunohod, 2016

The nominations for the European Film Academy Awards 2022 have just been announced and one of the contenders of Best Animated Feature Film award is Signe Baumane's film My Love Affair With Marriage!

Congratulations and fingers crossed!

Animasyros International Animation Festival will take place from 20 – 25 September and you are welcome to join us for the “main theme of the festival” – Baltic Focus, which is implemented in collaboration with the Latvian Animation Association and curator Anna Zača.

In the programme TRIBUTE BALTIC ANIMATION WAY you will find a selection of Latvian films:

AWAY by Gints Zilbalodis, DUSTY by Dace Rīdūze, MINOTAUR by Kārlis Vītols, PIGTAIL AND MR SLEEPLESSNESS by Edmunds Jansons and RIGA'S LILAC by Lizete Upīte.

Congratulations! My Love Affair with Marriage by Signe Baumane receives the Jury Distinction Award at the Festival international du film d'animation d'Annecy!

The European premiere of MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MARRIAGE by Signe Baumane will take place at Festival international du film d'animation d'Annecy!

Latvian animated short film HUSH HUSH LITTLE BEAR is selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival Young Audience Short films competition.
More information HERE.

Vassilis Kroustallis talks to Latvian puppet animation director Dace Rīdūze for Zippy Frames.

Lear more about her upcoming 20-minute puppet environmental film ANGRY BAG, making animation for children's audiences and about the history, the present and the future of prestigious studio Animacijas Brigade! More information here.

The eighth edition of Riga International Film festival has come to an end, but you still have the opportunity to watch a discussion about co-production between Vladimir Leschiov and the representative of NFB, Canadian producer, Marc Bertrand. It took place during the Baltic Animation Meet-Up, which is organised in partnership with the Latvian Animation Association.

With deep sadness Latvian Animation association marks the loss of Nils Skapāns (1969-2021). Nils Skapāns was the only Latvian master of plasticine animation, in his short creative career he has produced more than 40 stop motion films. His last film THE NAP will premiere early 2022 and is nominated for the Best Director and Best Short 2021 at the National Film Awards.

GUARD OF HONOUR by Edmunds Jansons premieres at Anifilm Festival 2021!

For this great occasion Vassilis Kroustallis did an interview with Edmunds for Zippy Frames. You can learn more about how he started his career, how the Atom Art production company was established, and about his upcoming feature THE HAPPY ONES.

Latvia will be a part of this year's MIFA FOCUS at Baltic Animation – What's New? 

Join us on Thursday, 17th June 15:30 CET online for an overview of the Baltic animation scene – funding possibilities, Baltic animation ecosystem and current productions. The presentation of Latvia will be moderated by Anna Zača.
* MIFA badge holders can access the presentation until December.

Zippy Frames has published a new country profile, this time about Latvia. Dive in to learn more about the contemporary Latvian animation scene.

Read more here.

Roze Stiebra's SIRDS LIKUMS becomes the Best Animated Film of Latvia in 2023 and receives Lielais Kristaps 2023 award.

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The special jury mention among other nominees went to BEIGU BEIGAS (dir. Linda Sture).

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Roze Stiebra was also admitted the Best Animated Film Director, and Aleksejs Naumovs - the Best Animated Film Artist of 2023.

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Ģirts Bišs received the Best Sound Director's award for his work in BEIGU BEIGAS.

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Congratulations!

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Still from RULE OF HEART, dir. Roze Stiebra, 2024

In honor of the founding of Latvia, 15 Latvian films are available for viewing worldwide on the film portal filmas.lv!

From November 11 to 18, Latvia celebrates Patriot Week, dedicated to the events of the state's founding festivities.

As part of the online festival, a special selection of animated films for children is also available, along with the full-length film BEFORE THE DAWN BREAKS by Roze Stiebra.

May this festive time be filled with beauty and positive thoughts – in Latvia and around the world!

Latvia will be present at Annecy IAFF and MIFA - come find out of what we're cooking at the ANIMATED BALTICS booth C0.3A!

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In 2023, the Latvian delegation comprise:

- National Film Centre of Latvia - Senior Officer Agnese Zapane (agnese.zapane@nkc.gov.lv);

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- Latvian Animation Association - Head of the Board Anna Zaca and Project Manager Lauma Kaudzite  (office@latviananimation.com);

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- Infinity BOX - Film Director Indra Sproge (indra@sproge.lv) and Film Producer Janis Zarzeckis (janis@zarzeckis.lv), WHERE IS THE KEY, screened at the Short Film Perspectives Competition progamme, also represented by: Screenwriter Lara Babina, DOP Martins Vela, 3D background artist Maigurs Prusans, Artist - constructor Kaspars Marackovskis, Artist Maija Riekstina, Animator Agnese Virovska;

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- Dream Well Studio - Film Director Gints Zilbalodis (gintszilbalodis@gmail.com), representing his upcoming film FLOW at the Annecy WIP sessions;

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- Atom Art - Film Producer Sabine Andresone (sabine@atomart.lv), Film Director Edmunds Jansons (edmunds@atomart.lv);

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- Bivrost Film & Ego Media - Film Director Ilze Burkovska Jacobsen (ilze@bivrostfilm.com), Trond Jacobsen (trond@bivrostfilm.com)

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We are looking forward to meeting you!

Among the 32 projects that have received the coproduction support from Eurimages - Gints Zilbalodis's FLOW, prod. Matīss Kaža at the Dream Well Studio.

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With one of the largest allocations in the spring session, the film is a coproduction with France and Belgium.

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Find an in-depth conversation about the film in the online Animated film catalogue!

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Release of the film is expected in Spring 2024.

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Still from FLOW, dir. Gints Zilbalodis, TBP 2024

Drop an eye in our Instagram account @latvian_animation - where we are gathering images and storylines of the Latvian animated films of all times.

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Follow us and use it as a helpful guide for programming purposes, for new discoveries or simply as a platform for your inspiration.

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#latviananimation #animation #animationart #animationdesign #animatedfilm #design #graphicdesign #drawing #illustration #motiongraphics #latviandesign #latvianartist #latvianart #latvianfilm #latvijasanimācija #latvijasanimācijasasociācija #latviananimationassociation

Meet the Baltic short film people at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival from January 30 to February 3!

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The dedicated Baltic stand for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  - stand no E4!

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The Blatic shorts highlights of the market 2023:

30/01 16:00 (CET) — Baltic Shorts Market Screening at G. Conchon Theatre, Clermont-Ferrand

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30/01 18:00 (CET) — Baltic Meet & Greet at Baltic Shorts stand no. E4, Clermont-Ferrand

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31/01 Jan. 9:00-13:00 (CET) — European Short Film Co-production Forum Euro Connection 2023 at Hôtel Océania, Clermont-Ferrand

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National Film Centre of Latvia has supported four animation films in development:

– THE BOMB by Vladimirs Leščovs;

– FATIGUE by Lizete Upīte

– KARMIC KNOT by Signe Baumane;

– debut short by director Ella Mežule.

Congratulations!

The biggest film festival in Latvia – Riga International Film Festival – will open with MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MARRIAGE by Signe Baumane! And WHERE IS THE KEY? by Indra Sproģe is selected for RIGA IFF's National Short Film Competition. See you in cinemas!

For the Latvian readers – Anna Zača talks to Edmunds Jansons, professor of the Art Academy of Latvia and Ülo Pikkov, professor of Estonian Academy of Arts, about the animation education in Baltics for Latvian online film magazine KinoRaksti. Read HERE. 

The results of the National Film Centre of Latvia film production grants 2022 have been released and it’s announced that our animation bouquet is to become even more colorful with 4 new films!

Support for the first stage of film production has been granted to:

Studija Kokles and Karlis Vitols for their first feature film NORTHEN STAR, VFS Films and Krista Burāne for THE MAGIC WARDROBE and Atom Art and Edmunds Jansons for FREERIDE. But Film Studio "Animacijas Brigade" Ltd and Dace Rīdūze will be able to start and finish the production of their upcoming short Kājām gaisā!

Congratulations! Read more on Cineuropa.

Starting the journey to the viewers, Signe Baumane film MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MARRIAGE is to be premiered on 11th June in New York at the Tribeca film festival's International Narrative Competition programme!

Gints Zilbalodis releases the first teaser of his upcoming feature film FLOW, which is a co-production between Dream Well

(Latvia), Sacre­bleu Productions (France), and CINÉ-LIT­TÉ Productions (Ger­many), and was pitched during the Cartoon Movie 2022. HERE is the teaser and HERE you can read more about the film via Zippy Frames.

Lizetes Upītes short film NIGHT WALKS, produced by Atom Art, now is available online! Take a look here.

Vassilis Kroustallis did an interview with Latvian animation director Zane Oborenko and they talked about her upcoming short film KAFKA IN LOVE (produced by Atom Art), which received CEE Animation Workshop WILD CARD back in 2019.  She shares both her inspiration and practicalities of working with sand animation. Read more HERE.

Ja vēlaties uzzināt vairāk par Latvijas Animācijas asociācijas darbību, aicinām izlasīt Annas Začas rakstu KINO RAKSTOS. Paldies LAA biedriem Dignei Briģei, Anetei Grīnbergai, Lizetei Upītei, Ievai Viesei Vigulai, Robertam Vinovskim, Gintam Zilbalodim, kas piedalījās raksta tapšanā, tāpat pateicamies Egilam Mednim, Nilam Skapānam, Indrai Sproģei, Kārlim Vītolam par rakstā redzamajām skicēm.

Director Gints Zilbalodis and producer Matīss Kaža won the Cristal Publishing Prize for their upcoming feature film FLOW at the MIFA Pitches during Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Congratulations!

The latest short film COMEBACK by Vladimir Leschiov is part of the International Short Film Competition L'officielle. The film tells a story about a long-lost childhood passion, which may return one day. Vassilis Kroustallis did an interview with Vladimir for Zippy Frames, if you want to learn more about the film!

The National Film Centre of Latvia has supported the development of three animation projects – feature ROACH COACH (Trakmakāns) by director Ilze Burkovska - Jakobsen, producer Guntis Trekteris (Ego Media), feature TWO FINGERS [working title] (Divi Pirksti) by directors Nils Skapāns and Uģis Olte, producer Uldis Cekulis (Vides filmu studija) and first four shorts of series THE WARDROBE OF WONDER by director Krista Burāne, producer Uldis Cekulis (Vides filmu studija).