Oscar's best animated feature makes a splash in Chinese box office

Flow, which won the 97th Academy Award for Best Animated Feature earlier this month, recently brought together ambassadors from 35 countries for a special screening of the 86-minute, dialogue-free feline allegory.

Since its release in Chinese mainland on Feb 28, the film has expanded from a limited theatrical run to a nationwide release, boosted by its Oscar win and strong online word-of-mouth praise from fans.

According to the real-time film tracking platform Maoyan Pro, Flow has grossed over 20 million yuan ($2.77 million) at the Chinese box office.

Karlis Eihenbaums, ambassador of Latvia to China, shared that he has personally watched the film three times, with each viewing revealing new details.

As a co-production of Latvia, France, and Belgium, Flow has earned over 100 awards and nominations worldwide, including the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature. Eihenbaums highlighted that the film's success is a testament to the creativity and collaborative spirit of its international filmmakers.

Directed by Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, Flow follows the journey of a dark gray cat whose home is devastated by a flood. Seeking refuge on a boat filled with various species, the cat must learn to cooperate with its new companions despite their differences.

Martins Upitis, the lead for the movie's water effects, shared in an online talk how the special effects team transformed water throughout the film. Initially depicted as dangerous, scary, muddy, and intense in the opening scene, the water gradually evolves into a more inviting and expansive presence, ultimately appearing as a vast, blue sea by the end, he said.