Away, the animated feature debut from double Academy Award nominee Gints Zilbalodis, returns to cinemas in 2025.
Away is a fantasy adventure about a boy travelling across an island on a motorcycle, trying to escape a dark spirit and get back home. Along the way, he makes a series of connections with different animals and reflects on the possible ways he ended up on the island. Part dream, part reality, Away explores our common, universal need to find a connection.
The re-release of Away is scheduled for 14th March in the UK and Ireland, marking a timely opportunity for audiences to revisit or discover Gints Zilbalodis‘s visionary debut ahead of the release of his second feature, Flow, which has been nominated for two Academy Awards and two BAFTAs, and recently won a Golden Globe.
Away’s blend of a minimalist, dialogue-free narrative and breathtaking animation makes it a timeless experience, especially with the glowing reviews and accolades it earned during its original release in 2020.
Zilbalodis, who single-handedly created the film over three and a half years, was cited as one to watch. Film Inquiry’s Matthew Singleton said, “Zilbalodis is an animator to keep your eye on.” For Little White Lies, James Balmont wrote, “Remember the name. Gints Zilbalodis is capable of greatness.” Among many others, Away was awarded the coveted Contretemp Award for emerging talent at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, considered the most prestigious festival in the animation world. The film remains 100% certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
The multiple award-winning UK animated short, The Lab – directed by Izzy Livesey, will be shown before the main feature. This pairing highlights the strength of emerging talent in the independent animation world.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
