Sideshow & Janus Films Take North America For Cannes & Annecy Animation ‘Flow’; Charades Handling Sales

Sideshow and Janus Films have acquired the North American rights for Gints Zilbalodis’s animated feature Flow, following an enthusiastic standing ovation at its world premiere in the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard on Wednesday.

The adventure tale revolves the character of Cat, a naturally solitary animal, whose life is turned upside down after his home is devastated by a great flood.

He finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences. In the lonesome boat sailing through mystical overflowed landscapes, they navigate the challenges and dangers of adapting to this new world.

The film is directed and written by Zilbalodis (Away), and co-written by Matiss Kaza, with a score by Zilbalodis and Rihards Zalupe.

It is produced by Zilbalodis and Kaza, alongside Ron Dyens and Gregory Zalcman.  The film will also screen in June at the Annecy Festival in Competition.   Sideshow and Janus Films are planning a theatrical release.

“We were so excited to see what Gints Zilbalodis would do after his surprising debut feature Away in which he did almost all of the work single-handedly,” said Sideshow and Janus Films in a joint statement.

“Flow did not disappoint.  It’s one of the most remarkably original works we have seen in some time. We know audiences of all ages will embrace this tremendously moving and heartwarming story, and we can’t wait to bring Gils Zilaboldis’s work to a much wider audience across North America.”

Producer Rob Dyens said on behalf of the filmmakers, “After a standing ovation at the Cannes screening, we are delighted to put our little cat in the delicate hands of Sideshow and Janus Films. We are certain that this is the best company to take FLOW to the heights it deserves.”

The deal was negotiated by Charades on behalf of the filmmakers with Sideshow and Janus Films..