“Flow”, interview with the director Gints Zilbalodis

At the 77th Festival de Cannes, we interviewed Gints Zilbalodis who presents his new film “Flow”, a visually captivating journey showcased in the Un Certain Regard section.

From “Away” to “Flow”: Evolution of Storytelling

 Gints Zilbalodis reflects on how his experiences with “Away” influenced his approach to “Flow”. “With ‘Away,’ I improvised a lot, but for ‘Flow,’ I had a complete script,” he explains. “Writing is challenging for me, but I had to learn to rely on others.”
This shift marks a significant evolution in his storytelling, aiming for a more structured yet emotionally resonant narrative.

Technical Ambitions and Visual Storytelling

Discussing the ambitious technical aspects of “Flow,” Gints Zilbalodis reveals, “I come up with the movement of the camera first, and then what happens in the scene. It’s a film without dialogues, so I had to find other ways to convey the characters’ emotions, and one of these ways is the camera.” This innovative approach underscores the film’s visual storytelling, where every frame is meticulously crafted to evoke emotion.

The Protagonist’s Journey

In “Flow,” the protagonist is a cat, and its journey is both physical and emotional. Gints Zilbalodis elaborates on depicting the cat’s internal transformation, emphasizing two main fears the cat must overcome: water and the others. “These fears are linked, so I pushed the cat against these elements in a world that combines various environments to convey emotions. I start from the character and build a world around him,” he says, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between character development and world-building.

Integrating Music and Visuals

 Gints Zilbalodis, who also scored “Flow,” discusses his approach to integrating music with visual storytelling. “The music is very important in this film. I avoided using a theme score, opting instead to edit the film with music already in place,” he notes. Collaborating with composer Gurwal Coïc-Gallas, Zilbalodis created a rich musical landscape that complements the film’s visuals. “We recorded with a full orchestra, which was a great emotion for me. Some scenes are without music, where sound design plays a crucial role in immersing the audience into the world of ‘Flow.'”

The message behind “Flow”

When asked about what he hopes audiences take away from “Flow,” Gints Zilbalodis shares, “I have my own idea of what the film means, but it’s hard to explain in words since the film has no words. I’d say that it’s important to trust others but stay independent at the same time.”

“Flow” is a testament to Gints Zilbalodis‘ unique vision and storytelling prowess. Through its visually stunning animation, evocative music, and profound themes, the film invites audiences to embark on a journey of fear, trust, and self-discovery. “Flow” is a groundbreaking example of contemporary animation that will undoubtedly spark discussions for times to come.