The success of Gints Zilbalodis’ Oscar-winning film “Flow” has brought Baltic animation to new heights, sparking a wave of creativity and ambition among local creators. Peep Pedmanson, Estonian Film Institute Animation Film Commissioner, notes that while a single achievement cannot define an entire field, there is a sense of unity and individualism within Baltic animation.
Aurelia Aasa, founder of AAA Creative, emphasizes the impact of Baltic animation on the international festival circuit, particularly in the short form. Despite coming from small countries, Baltic creators have a unique ability to stand out and bring fresh perspectives to the industry.
Estonian director Sander Joon, inspired by the success of “Flow,” is working on a new short film titled “Hair of Hare” that explores themes of creative freedom and whimsy. The growing interest in feature-length animated films in Estonia, as highlighted by producer Kalev Tamm of Eesti Joonisfilm, poses challenges in terms of financing but also signifies a shift in ambition within the industry.
Marianne Ostrat is excited to present “Saima: Scenes from a Midlife Crisis” at Annecy’s MIFA, marking a significant moment for animated features in Estonia and the Baltics. She believes there is untapped potential in the region’s animation industry, with a need for more animation producers, financing, and projects to sustain growth.
Kristel Tõldsepp of A Film Estonia echoes these sentiments, highlighting the success of “Raggie” and the collaborative efforts of Baltic studios in producing animated films. However, limited resources and lack of support for series production present challenges for the industry.
Rebel Frame’s Kadriann Kibus sees feature-length storytelling as a new frontier for Baltic animation, with projects like “Adult Bedtime Stories” and upcoming shorts pushing the boundaries of the medium. Co-productions and international partnerships are essential for bringing ambitious animated films to a wider audience.
In Lithuania, producer Simona KrasauskienÄ— of Art Shot emphasizes the energy and talent within the country’s animation industry. Projects like “Nelly Jelly” showcase the potential of local IP to resonate with audiences across the Baltics, paving the way for further growth and success in the field. Overall, the aftermath of “Flow” has sparked a new era of creativity and collaboration in Baltic animation, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future. The Baltic animation industry is gaining global recognition for its unique blend of creativity, talent, and market power. With successful projects like “Nelly Jelly” from Lithuania and “My Favorite War” from Latvia, creators in the region are proving their ability to compete on an international scale.
However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as greater access to global funding, co-production pipelines, and training ecosystems. Despite these obstacles, the Baltic animation industry is making strides towards establishing itself as a major player in the global animation conversation.
One of the standout projects in the region is “Nelly Jelly,” a collaboration between Lithuanian and UK-based studios. The project aims to tell stories grounded in childhood challenges with a touch of magical surrealism. This unique blend of sincerity and playfulness is a hallmark of Lithuanian animation, showcasing a willingness to explore imperfection and emotion in storytelling.
Latvian creators are also making waves with projects like “Rocks in My Pockets” and “Jacob, Mimmi and the Talking Dogs.” These films explore personal and heartfelt themes, showcasing a willingness to take creative risks and push boundaries in storytelling. Despite the challenges of independent filmmaking, creators like Signe Baumane are determined to make their mark on the industry.
In Latvia, the success of animators has been driven by individual artists who are passionate about telling their stories. With increasing support from organizations like the National Film Centre of Latvia and the Culture Capital Foundation, Latvian animators are gaining recognition for their work on the international stage.
Despite the success of Baltic animation, challenges remain, such as limited funding and geopolitical instability. However, creators in the region are determined to overcome these obstacles and continue producing high-quality animated content for global audiences.
With projects like “The Northern Star” from Latvia and “Born in the Jungle” from Lithuania on the horizon, the future looks bright for Baltic animation. These films aim to appeal to family audiences worldwide, showcasing the region’s unique storytelling style and commitment to creating meaningful and engaging content. With a tradition of hand-crafted animation and a willingness to experiment, Baltic animation is poised to make a lasting impact on the global animation industry. The Baltic animation industry is experiencing a wave of positivity and growth, with new creative voices emerging and more cross-border collaborations taking place. One such example is the upcoming film “Born in the Jungle,” inspired by the true story of an explorer’s family living in the Venezuelan jungle in the 1950s. Co-produced by Atom Art, Letko, and Hausboot, with international sales handled by Dandelooo Cinéma, the film is set for release in 2026.
At the same time, two Latvian films, “Cleanliness” and “Thelma’s Perfect Birthday,” will be showcased at the prestigious Annecy festival. “Thelma’s Perfect Birthday” tells the story of a young penguin navigating a world obsessed with perfection, highlighting the diverse storytelling coming out of the Baltic region.
Despite the artistic strength and potential of Baltic animation, there is a need for long-term strategies and infrastructure to support industry growth sustainably. Many creators rely on fragmented or volunteer-driven production, hindering their ability to thrive in the long run. However, there is optimism among industry professionals who see the current momentum as an opportunity for growth.
Filmmakers like Oskar Lehemaa and Mikk Mägi are inspired by the success of films like “Flow,” which has showcased the storytelling craft and audience reach of Baltic filmmakers. The success of these films has brought new attention to the region, but there is a recognition that more needs to be done to capitalize on this spotlight.
Erik Heinsalu of Grafik emphasizes the importance of taking action to make the most of the current momentum, as the spotlight on the Baltic animation industry may not last forever. Industry professionals are eager to see the industry flourish and are hopeful for the future of Baltic animation.
As Inese Baumane puts it, “We’re not dead yet – everything is still ahead.” With a focus on long-term strategies, stronger international partnerships, and meaningful dialogue between institutions and creators, the Baltic animation industry has the potential to leave a lasting legacy in the world of animation.
