The 2025 Golden Globe Awards marked a significant milestone for international animation with the triumph of Flow, directed by Latvian filmmaker – Gints Zilbalodis, in the Best Animated Feature Film category.

This achievement emphasizes the film's artistic distinction and underscores the significant contributions of Brussels and Wallonia made in bringing this unique project to fruition.

An Unparalleled Cinematic Journey

Flow is a dialogue-free animated feature film narrating the journey of a black cat navigating a tsunami-ravaged world devastated by extreme flooding.

The film's narrative, devoid of human characters, concentrates on the cat's interactions with other animals, accentuating heartfelt themes of collaboration, trust and survival.

Photo: people.com

With the absence of dialogue, Flow can enhance its universal appeal by permitting audiences worldwide to make a genuine connection to its emotive storytelling.

Brussels and Wallonia’s Indispensable Role in ‘Flow’

The success of Flow is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts transcending national boundaries, with both Brussels and Wallonia playing a pivotal role in its development and production.

• Co-Production and Financial Support: The film was co-produced by TAKE FIVE, a film production company based in Brussels. Additionally, Flow greatly benefited from The Tax Shelter, also based in Brussels – a financial incentive designed to support audiovisual productions, underlining Belgium's commitment towards fostering international cinematic collaborations.
• Broadcasting Collaboration: The direct involvement of RTBF – the public broadcasting organization of the French-speaking community of Belgium, further exemplifies the backing from the Walloon region. RTBF's participation not only provided financial backing, but also facilitated the film's distribution and reach within and beyond Belgium.
• Artistic Contributions: Belgium's glamourous heritage within animation and its accomplished pool of gifted artists contributed enormously to the film's production. The collaborative environment between Brussels and Wallonia provided valuable creative resources necessary for realizing Zilbalodis’ vision.

Reflections from the Director

During his acceptance speech at the Golden Globe Awards, Gints Zilbalodis expressed profound gratitude to his co-producers – Ron DYENS and Gregory Zalcman , acknowledging the international team's dedication.

Zilbalodis discussed the personal nature of the project, reflecting on his transition from working independently to embracing collaboration, mirroring central themes found within the film.

Ron Dyens / Gints Zilbalodis/ Matiss Kaza at the Golden Globes 2025 credit: ZippyFrames.com

He stated, "This is the first time a film from Latvia has been here, so it's huge for us – I had to trust others and learn how to collaborate and overcome our differences, and I think it's very important nowadays, especially now more than ever."

Major Acclaim and Recognition

Flow premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and acquired the top prize at the Festival international du film d'animation d'Annecy, garnering major acclaim for its innovative storytelling and visual artistry.

The film boasts a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting widespread appreciation. Its success at the Golden Globe Awards places Flow as a strong contender for upcoming awards, particularly that of the Satellite Awards.

The Impact of ‘Flow’

The major success of Flow at the Golden Globe Awards highlights the importance of continued international collaboration, not only in the arts, but across the globe.

Contributions from Brussels and Wallonia were instrumental in bringing this unique animated feature film to life, displaying Belgium's fundamental role in the global cinematic landscape.

As Flow continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it stands as a testament to the power of cross-border partnerships in creating compelling and universally resonant art.