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As part of the Riga International Film Festival (Riga IFF), the Latvian Academy of Culture’s (LAC) National Film School welcomed world-renowned American animation director and artist Bill Plympton, known as the King of Independent Animation. During his visit, he shared his experience of independent filmmaking and the filmmaking process, and met with representatives of Latvia’s animation industry. 

Bill Plympton travelled from New York to Latvia together with Latvian animation director and artist Signe Baumane, with whom he has shared a creative collaboration since 1995. Both artists actively support emerging talent in the animation industry and the development of independent animation. At the National Film School, Plympton led a session in which he introduced students to his experience in independent filmmaking. 

A significant turning point in the artist’s career was his 1987 animated short film Your Face, which received widespread acclaim. Following its success, Plympton turned his attention to animation, despite the fact that many people at the time believed the art form was losing its relevance. Since then, he has created numerous short films and nine feature-length animated films, demonstrating that animation can be produced independently of major studios. 

Signe Baumane also recognises Plympton’s experience and perseverance, highlighting him as an important source of inspiration for independent animators. “He has this enormous amount of experience and knowledge about how he makes his films. Of course, what works for him does not work for everyone else, but he is a huge source of inspiration for me and other independent animators because he continues to work,” says Signe Baumane. 

During his visit, Bill Plympton also toured animation studios, including Dream Well Studio, an independent animation studio founded by Gints Zilbalodis and Matīss Kaža. There, he met with a new generation of animation artists and learned about their creative work and upcoming projects. Plympton is optimistic about the future of Latvian animation, pointing to several promising projects with international potential. 

Riga IFF audiences also had the opportunity to explore Bill Plympton’s work and experience as part of the festival programme. His debut film, Your Face, was screened at the festival. On Saturday, 24 October, from 11:00 to 13:00, a meeting with Bill Plympton and Signe Baumane will take place in the Straume Hall at Splendid Palace cinema. Registration is required and can be completed by filling in the registration form.