Latvian animated film "The Happy Ones" continues its journey across world film festivals

The Latvian animated film "The Happy Ones" ("Laimīgie"), directed by Edmunds Jansons, continues its international journey following a successful debut this summer. After its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, where it was selected for the prestigious "Annecy Presents" program, and its Latvian premiere on August 20 at the Splendid Palace cinema, the film is set to screen in more than 25 countries.

Festival circuit

In July, the film premiered in the Czech Republic at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival and in North America at Canada's Fantasia festival, and it was included in the "Elements +6" competition at Italy's Giffoni festival. In September it screened at Switzerland's Fantoche animation festival. This autumn it will premiere at the Netherlands' Cinekid, one of Europe's leading children's and youth film festivals, and is included in programs in Poland, Germany, Romania, Spain, Slovenia, Estonia, Sweden and Belgium. Its South American premiere will take place in Brazil at the São Paulo International Film Festival.

Still showing in Latvia

The film remains in Latvian cinemas, with some screenings accompanied by creative activities for families. On September 19, Splendid Palace will host a screening where audiences can meet the filmmakers and artist Elīna Brasliņa. The film is also available to students through the "Latvian School Bag" program, accompanied by pedagogical materials developed with French education professionals.

The story follows nine-year-old Elizabete, who spends her summer holiday with family in the rainforests of Venezuela and reluctantly must look after her younger brother Leo, only for the two children to find themselves in an unexpected adventure requiring courage and trust.

The film is produced by studio Atom Art in collaboration with Polish and Czech partners, with international distribution handled by the French company Dandelooo.