With the start of the busy tourist season, characters from the animated film "Flow" are returning to the streets of Riga this week and will be placed in locations that Riga residents selected in a special poll last December as the most suitable spots for the beloved film characters.
"The characters of Riga Citizen of the Year Gints Zilbalodis' world-famous film were very popular on the streets of Riga last year – both near the Cat sculpture at the Freedom Monument and near the other "Flow" characters across the city last summer, there were often queues of people wanting to take photos. In addition, the "Flow" characters, especially, of course, the Cat, had become so important to local residents that whenever the sculpture needed any maintenance, we were immediately asked what had happened and when the character would be back. The success of Gints Zilbalodis and the film "Flow" is truly exceptional internationally, and the film was made in Riga, so let its characters live in the streets of Riga and bring joy to both Riga residents and visitors to the city," says Vilnis Ķirsis, Vice-Mayor of Riga.
The Cat from "Flow" has already been placed at the entrance of the Splendid Palace cinema. The three locations that received the most support in the public vote will host the remaining heroes.
The Dog will be placed in Victory Park, the Capybara will be located outside the Children’s Clinical University Hospital at 45 Vienības Avenue, and the Lemur will return to Mežaparks to greet visitors opposite the entrance to Riga Zoo. Information about the locations of the "Flow" characters will also be included in Riga tourist guides, given that they have also been a popular attraction for visitors from abroad.
All the characters in the animated film are accompanied by a description of the success of "Flow" and the idea behind the film: the animated film "Flow" by director and artist Gints Zilbalodis and his creative team is the first film to bring Latvia both the prestigious Academy Award “Oscar” and a Golden Globe.
The film centres on a dark grey Cat who, in order to survive in a world abandoned by humans, is forced to face his greatest fears and learn to trust. His travelling companions are diverse – the selfless Capybara, the treasure-hoarding Lemur, the friendly Retriever and the wise Secretary Bird – all in the same boat.
These urban installations celebrate the film’s achievements around the world and remind us of a simple but essential value: we all need to work together.
The "Flow" characters will be placed in the city until 23 May.
The Cat and Lemur sculptures were created by artist Kristaps Andersons, the Capybara sculpture was created by Lithuanian artist Donatas Mockus, while the Dog sculpture is the work of artist Inese Valtere.
Information was prepared by Ineta Miglāne, Project Coordinator, External Communication Division of the Communications Department of the Riga City Council, e-mail: ineta.miglane@riga.lv.
