‘Flow’ Cat Statue in Riga, Latvia Celebrates Best Animated Film Win

In a vibrant celebration of artistic achievement, Riga, Latvia, has unveiled a striking new statue of the cat protagonist from the animated feature film Flow. This event comes in the wake of the film winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, marking a historic milestone as the first Latvian movie to secure an Oscar.

A Hero's Welcome

Upon their return from the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, the Flow filmmaking team received an enthusiastic welcome from their fellow citizens. Producer Matiss Kaza commented on the overwhelming support, stating that the filmmakers were celebrated as if they had won an Olympic medal. "There was a special event at the monument of freedom in the center of Riga to welcome us," Kaza said. "Thousands gathered despite the late hour."

In an outpouring of national pride, the team had the opportunity to meet with the President of Latvia just days after their triumph. Subsequently, the three Oscars won by the film were displayed at the National Museum of Art, where they attracted over 28,000 visitors. To ensure that fans throughout Latvia could partake in the celebration, the trophies are currently touring smaller cities, including Liepāja, Cēsis, and Rēzekne.

The Cat Statue's Significance

The cat statue, designed to represent the film's protagonist, has become a symbol of this cinematic achievement and national pride. Crafted by sculptor Kristaps Andersons, the statue features the cat perched atop the iconic ‘Rīga’ letters sign near the Freedom Monument. The expressive design captures the character's wide eyes and curled tail, embodying the unique blend of wonder and anxiety that defines the cat in the film.

Director Gints Zilbalodis provided detailed design input for the sculpture, which reflects themes of independence and collaboration present in the film. He explained that the cat's journey mirrors human experiences of overcoming fears and working together. "Cats are very independent and do things their own way, and I thought that could be a good starting point for this character's arc," Zilbalodis stated.

Exhibition Details

The cat statue will remain on display near the Freedom Monument until April 1. After this date, it will be relocated to the Town Hall Square in Riga. However, much like the adventures of the cat in the film, the final resting place of the statue remains uncertain, promising a sense of excitement for locals and visitors alike.

For those wishing to see the cat in person and celebrate one of Latvia's remarkable indie successes, the time is limited. Visitors are encouraged to stop by before the statue changes locations.

As Flow continues to resonate with audiences, the cat statue serves as a joyful reminder of the importance of culture in small countries and the power of storytelling.