The chairman of Riga City Council Viļnis Ķirsis (JV) says that Zilbalož’s moving film “Straume” has already received recognition from both ordinary viewers and cinema professionals.
Kirsis wishes that, in addition to the awards “Straumes” has received so far, the European Film Academy award and an Oscar statuette will also be obtained.
Zilbalodis said in his video address that he could not come to the ceremony in Riga, because he is at a film festival in Spain and plans to go to New York soon, because the movie ”Stream” will start showing in cinemas in the USA.
Zilbalodis thanked for the honor of being chosen as Riga City of the Year.
He emphasized that the majority of the film “Straume” was made by a relatively small team in Riga, and the film has now traveled around the world.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who supported me, I feel inspired myself and the whole team is inspired. We are ready to continue our work and start the next project that will continue to bring Latvia’s name to the world,” stressed Zilbalodis.
Gints Zilbalodis is an animator, film director and artist. His latest animated film “Straume” has achieved significant success with 100,000 viewers in Latvia and 16 international awards, including triumphing at the animation film festival “Animation is Film” in Los Angeles, where the film won the main jury prize.
At the same time, during the solemn meeting, four Letters of Recognition from the Riga City Council were also awarded.
Among them, Raimonds Strokšs received a letter of appreciation for creating the biggest motorsport festival in Riga and popularizing the capital of Latvia in the world. Juris Dambis also received a letter of appreciation for his professional and long-term work in preserving Riga’s cultural and historical values.
Inese Grandāne received a letter of appreciation for her significant contribution to the preservation of cultural and historical heritage, the study of Riga’s history and its popularization among children and young people. As well as a certificate of appreciation was presented to Jurgis Cābulis for his significant contribution to promoting the international success of the mixed choir of the Riga Dome Choir School and the Riga Youth Choir ”Kamēr…”, instilling Latvian cultural values in the youth of Riga and bringing the name of the capital of Latvia to the world.
A person of any nationality and nationality who has reached the age of 18 and has contributed to the recognition of Riga and drawn public attention to the capital of Latvia with his talent and work can apply for the municipal award “Rīdzinieks of the Year”. Anyone from Riga could apply for the award.
So far, the “Rīdzinieks of the Year” award has been received by well-known scientists, musicians, athletes, artists and representatives of other professions.
How has technology influenced independent animation filmmaking in Latvia?
Interviewer: Good day! Welcome to this special segment of Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with a notable expert in the film industry, who has closely followed the journey of Gints Zilbalodis and his remarkable film “Straume.” Thank you for joining us!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. The chairman of Riga City Council, Viļnis Ķirsis, has expressed his hopes that “Straume” will garner more prestigious awards, including recognition from the European Film Academy and even an Oscar. From your perspective, how significant are these accolades for a film like ”Straume”?
Expert: Accolades like those are not only a testament to the quality of the work but also a significant boost for the filmmakers involved. They can elevate the film’s profile internationally, and for a relatively small team like Zilbalodis’s, this could mean increased opportunities for future projects. It’s a proud moment for Latvia, too, as it showcases the country’s talent on a global platform.
Interviewer: Absolutely! Zilbalodis mentioned in his address that “Straume” has been well-received by both audiences and professionals. How important is that dual recognition for a filmmaker?
Expert: It’s crucial! Audience appreciation is a key indicator that the film resonates on a personal level, while industry recognition often validates the technical and artistic merits of the work. When a film garners love from both sides, it creates a strong foundation for its legacy.
Interviewer: Speaking of legacy, Zilbalodis has also stated that most of the film was created by a small team in Riga. How does this reflect the current trends in the film industry, especially in animation?
Expert: It mirrors a growing trend of more independent, compact teams making impactful statements in film. Advances in technology have made animation more accessible, allowing smaller teams to produce high-quality work without the need for large budgets. Zilbalodis’s success is a shining example of what can be achieved through creativity and dedication, regardless of the scale.
Interviewer: Zilbalodis expressed his gratitude during the ceremony, emphasizing his team’s inspiration to continue creating and promoting Latvia on the world stage. How vital is this sense of inspiration and community in the creative process?
Expert: Inspiration is the lifeblood of creativity! In the film industry, especially, collaboration and support within a team can lead to groundbreaking work. When a filmmaker feels valued and inspired, it often translates into their projects. This ongoing motivation might just lead to even more significant works that highlight Latvia’s artistic voice.
Interviewer: It’s wonderful to see such passion at play. With “Straume” also set to screen in the USA, what do you think this means for the film’s future and for animation in Latvia?
Expert: Screening in the USA is a major opportunity, as it opens doors to a vast audience and potential partnerships. It can inspire other Latvian artists to pursue animation and storytelling at an international level. As “Straume” paves the way, it could very well spark a surge of interest in animated films coming from Latvia, strengthening its cultural footprint globally.
Interviewer: Exciting times ahead indeed! Lastly, what advice would you give to emerging filmmakers looking to follow in Zilbalodis’s footsteps?
Expert: I would advise them to harness their unique perspectives and stories. Embrace the strengths of small teams and leverage technology to create their vision. Networking and fostering a community with fellow creatives are also essential. Who knows? They might be the next ones receiving international accolades!
Interviewer: Thank you so much for your insights today! It’s been a pleasure discussing the promising journey of “Straume” and the potential of Latvian animation.
Expert: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing what’s next for Zilbalodis and his team!
Interviewer: And to our viewers, stay tuned for more exciting discussions in the world of arts and culture. Until next time!