Cannes Film Festival, Animation and Other Stories (Keynote)

Does the Cannes Film Festival shape the cinematic process and, even more so, film history? Does one of the long-time programmers of the Cannes Festival feel like a gatekeeper, whose decision – to include a film in the festival program – can change the fate of the film and its creators? Why have the world’s most significant festivals always prioritised live-action films? Animation and the Cannes Film Festival – the most striking experiences and perspectives. These and other topics will be addressed by Matīss Kaža.

Speaker

Matīss Kaža

Matīss Kaža (1995) is an Academy Award-winning Latvian producer, director and writer. He is best known for co-writing and producing the animated feature film “Flow” (2024) by Gints Zilbalodis, which won the first ever Golden Globe and Oscar for an independent animated feature. Recent producing credits include “Sisters” (2022, Warsaw Film Festival 1+2 Competition Winner) by Linda Olte, “Drowning Dry” (2024, two awards in the Locarno Main Competition) by Laurynas Bareiša. Matīss has directed and written for live action, documentary and the theatre, including “Neon Spring” (2022, Edinburgh Intl. Film Festival) and critically acclaimed performances at the Latvian National Theatre, like “The Soft Power” (2023) and “The National Channel” (2025). He teaches film directing at the Latvian Academy of Culture.