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Latvian Animation “GodS Dog” Gains Momentum with European Film Award Nomination
The European Film Academy has broadened the scope of its prestigious “European Film Awards,” now recognizing animation and documentaries as equal contenders for the coveted “Best European Film” prize. This shift paves the way for Latvia’s critically acclaimed animated feature, “God’s dog,” to compete alongside the continent’s top cinematic achievements, with voting by Academy members scheduled to conclude on January 8, ahead of the january 17 award ceremony in Berlin, Germany.
The expanded eligibility criteria represent a notable evolution for the Academy, acknowledging the growing artistic and cultural importance of animated and documentary filmmaking. This year’s competition will feature a diverse selection of 15 films – five feature films, five animated features, and five documentaries – all vying for the top honor. A complete list of nominees across all categories is available on the European Film Academy’s website.
The nomination of “God’s Dog” is notably noteworthy, according to a senior official at Latvia’s National Cinema Center (NKC). “This nomination confirms the strong position of latvian animation in the European context,” the official stated, “and purposefully continues the success of its colleagues, Latvian animation professionals.”
Indeed, Latvian animation has consistently garnered recognition from the Academy in recent years. in 2022, Signe Baumane’s “My Marriage Project” received a nomination, followed by the seven-country co-production “Girl and Hound” in 2023, and Gint Zilbalož’s award-winning “Stream” in 2024. The possibility of another Latvian triumph on January 17th is now very real.
Directors raitis and Lauris Ābeles, the creative force behind “God’s Dog,” offered a characteristically understated response to the nomination.”Thus ‘the ways of the dog of God are unfathomable!'” they remarked, adding that it is indeed “a great honor” to represent Latvia at the awards ceremony in Berlin.
The film, described as an “animation for adults,” premiered to glowing reviews at the Tribeca Film festival in New York this past June, where it was hailed as “the wildest and most unique film of the year.” industry publications have lauded its bold and innovative approach, particularly its use of the rarely employed rotoscoping animation technique. “God’s Dog” delves into a mystical narrative set in 17th-century Livonia.
As its release in Latvian cinemas in september, “God’s Dog” has captivated audiences and was selected as the opening film of the Riga IFF festival. The film also serves as Latvia’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
The film’s striking visual aesthetic is the result of a collaboration between artist Harijs Grundmanis and cinematographer Mārcis Ābele. The script is credited to Ivo Briedis, alongside the Ābeles and Grundmanis brothers, while Aigars Gercāns and Kristina Rezviha oversaw the animation direction. The voice cast features Jurgis Spulenieks, agate Krista, Regnārs Vaivars, Einars Repše, and Kristians Karelins. The film is produced by R
