Independent feature animation Away, which received the highly-regarded Contrechamp Award last year at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, will be released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland by Munro Films from August 28, 2020.
The stunning, dialogue-free fantasy adventure tells the story of 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.
This marks a full-length feature debut for Gints Zilbalodis and his Dream Well studio, whose distinctive real-time rendering animation technique has been applauded by critics. “In live action, even drones can’t achieve the same effect as “Away’s” gravity-defying virtual camera” said Variety’s Peter Debruge. Film Inquiry’s Matthew Singleton said, “Zilbalodis is an animator to keep your eye on.”
“I am delighted my feature is being shared with cinema audiences in the UK and Ireland, as watching on the big screen is the most immersive way to experience Away.” – said filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis.
Zilbalodis drew inspiration from films, games and books when creating Away. This includes the works of Haruki Murakami and Hayao Miyazaki, and classic films ranging from Bicycle Thieves and The General through to 2004 feature, Motorcycle Diaries and the more recent 2014 feature, It Follows. Musical influences for Zilbalodis, who also composed and recorded the film’s score, include Sigur Rós and Max Richter.
In addition to receiving Annecy’s Contrechamp Award in 2019, Away was awarded Best Feature Film at the Anima Mundi International Film Festival, Best Animated Feature Film at the Latvian National Film Festival and the Golden Stork Award (Stork d’Or) for Best Animated Feature at the Strasburg European Fantastic Film Festival.
Away opens in UK and Irish cinemas from August 28. The film is a U Cert, with a running time of 75 minutes. Audiences can sign up for updates at www.awayfilm.co.uk
