A Journey Through Latvian Animation: Path to Global Fame
Latvian animation is now the talking centerpiece of animation lovers around the globe. Latvian animation has a rich history, growing from small artistic projects to internationally recognized films. With unique storytelling, Latvian animators have created visually stunning and emotional works. Now we will look a bit in the history and discover which are the must-see animations created by Latvians.
Latvian animation began in the 1960s when the Riga Film Studio experimented with animated films. The first major Latvian animated film, Ki-ke-ri-gū! (1966), directed by Arnolds Burovs, set the foundation for the country’s animation style.
Arnolds Burovs is often called the father of Latvian animation. He created stop-motion films using puppets, drawing inspiration from Latvian folklore. His detailed, handcrafted animations focused on storytelling, emotions, and a deep connection to nature. The animation you can watch here: https://www.filmas.lv/movie/1593/
By the 1980s, Latvian animation had become more popular. Studios like Riga Film Studio produced well-crafted films and stop-motion animation became widely used.
One of the most famous animated series from this time is Avārijas Brigāde (Rescue Team). This fun and action-packed series followed three clumsy rescue workers who always got into silly situations. It became a beloved classic in Latvia, and everybody watched it as a kid. There are numerous series of the Rescue team, but my personal favorite is about the Swedish Vasa Museum. You can watch it here: https://www.filmas.lv/movie/3812/
In recent years, Latvian animation has gained international recognition. The biggest success came with Flow directed by Gints Zilbalodis, which won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature this year, and of course, this caused a national celebration. This silent, visually stunning film tells the story of a cat navigating a flooded world.
If you’re interested in Latvian animation, here are some great films to start with:
Ki-ke-ri-gū! (1966) – A classic stop-motion film by Arnolds Burovs.
Avārijas Brigāde (1989–1990s) – A funny and nostalgic animated series.
Jacob, Mimmi, and the Talking Dogs (2019) – A heartwarming 2D animated film.
Flow (2023) – An Oscar-winning masterpiece with stunning visuals.
Have you seen any Latvian animated films? Share your favorites in the comments below!
Vita, OLS Community manager - Latvian