Exploring the World of Latvian Animation: Limbo and Beyond with Matīss Kaža
The Latvian best animated feature Oscar winner, Flow, has captured the hearts of many with its emotional journey of a solitary cat. Director and producer Gints Zilbalodis, along with his writing and production partner Matīss Kaža, are not slowing down after the success of Flow. Kaža recently attended the Locarno Film Festival to present upcoming projects from Dream Well Studio and Trickster Pictures, including the new feature animation Limbo and the mockumentary I Love You, Lex Fridman!, which he is co-directing with actress Iveta Pole.
Kaža works at two studios, Dream Well Studio for animation and Trickster Pictures for live-action and documentary projects. Unlike Zilbalodis, who focuses on one project at a time, Kaža juggles multiple projects simultaneously, including directing movies, producing, teaching, and writing. At Locarno Pro, Kaža presented Limbo, the next animated film by Zilbalodis, set for release in 2028. The film will feature dialogue for the first time, with actors involved in the project, and will maintain the unique production process of Zilbalodis.
Limbo is being produced in collaboration with Sacrebleu Productions, with the aim of creating another independent European animation. The film has received substantial funding from the National Film Center in Latvia, showcasing the trust and support for the project. Following the success of Flow, Kaža sees animation as a tool for cultural diplomacy, putting Latvia on the map and attracting attention to Latvian cinema. The studio's goal is to continue this momentum with future projects like Limbo.
In addition to Limbo, Kaža is co-directing I Love You, Lex Fridman!, a mockumentary about a Latvian actress's journey to meet American podcaster Lex Fridman. The film blends comedy and drama, exploring the fascination with media personalities and the cultural differences in America. Kaža and Pole embarked on a road trip across America, engaging real personalities in scripted situations to capture the essence of the journey.
Apart from these projects, Kaža is collaborating with Ilze Burkovska-Jacobsen on a live-action film titled Legato, exploring themes of cultural identity and generational trauma. The film follows a Latvian teenager in Norway searching for her father and navigating the complexities of her heritage. Kaža is also involved in promoting other Latvian projects, such as Ulya, a coming-of-age drama about a female basketball player in Soviet-era Latvia. These diverse projects showcase the creativity and storytelling prowess of Latvian filmmakers, aiming to make a mark in the global film industry.