Having animals walking and talking like people in animation is a fairly common occurrence, but Flow director Gints Zilbalodis wanted to focus on immersing the viewer in a fully animal perspective. With no dialogue, the animated performances of the animals and the camerawork became essential to convey that message.

Flow follows a cat, whose solitary lifestyle changes once their home is devastated by a great flood. The cat must learn to overcome their fear of both water and others to survive, finding safety with a group of animals from different species. Zilbalodis says the dual fears play off of each other in the film, with the water becoming more turbulent whenever the cat becomes scared.

Flow was also shortlisted for the Oscars in the Best International Feature category, becoming the first entry from Latvia to make the international shortlist.

‘Flow’

Deadline: What was the inspiration for Flow?

Gints Zilbalodis:...