Dieva suns Distribution Expands Across Germany and North America
“Filma piedzīvoja iespaidīgu ceļojums pa lielākajiem žanru filmu festivāliem, šajā laikā nodibinājām daudzus kontaktus, kas būs nozīmīgi mūsu karjeras turpinājumā. “Šķiet, ka mūsu melnā humora un simbolisma salikums, tāpat arī refleksija par analoģijām ar mūsdienām ir nostrādājusi,” saka brāļi Ābeles.”
The feature-length animated film Dieva suns is slated for theatrical release in Germany this November. Berlin-based company Little Dream Pictures will handle the German distribution across mainstream multiplexes, independent venues, and art-house cinemas, alongside special Halloween screenings planned for October in Berlin and Düsseldorf.
Cartuna schedules North American theatrical screenings
Cartuna, a company specializing in experimental and unusual animation, acquired the North American distribution rights for the film, according to Diena. Screenings in the United States and Canada begin in November, with a gradual rollout into independent theaters. Confirmed venues include Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle Cinemas in New Jersey, Roxy Cinema in New York, Cleveland Cinematheque, and the Alamo Drafthouse theater network in January.
Global sales are managed by Media Move, which sold additional distribution rights to Weird Wave for Greece and ESC Films for France, as reported by Diena and sejas.tvnet.lv. The film premiered globally on June 6, 2025, at the Tribeca Festival in New York. Following its premiere, it was selected for over 30 international festivals, including Fantasia, London’s FrightFest, the Sitges Film Festival in Spain, and the Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia.
Dieva suns competes for international awards
Dieva suns served as Latvia’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The European Film Academy also nominated the production in two categories: Best Animated Feature Film and Best European Film.
The film utilizes rotoscoping techniques, filming live actors before converting the footage into animation. Set in 17th-century Livonia, the narrative draws loose inspiration from the 1691–1692 trial of the werewolf Thiess. The production combines Latvian folklore, historical satire, dark humor, and horror elements to examine religion, power structures, and human nature.
Directors Raitis and Lauris Ābele created the film alongside screenwriter Ivo Briedis, artist Harijs Grundmanis, and animator Aigars Gercāns. Kristele Pudāne, Raitis Ābele, and Giovanni Labadessa produced the project, with an original score composed by Lauris Ābele.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can audiences watch Dieva suns in North America?
Cartuna handles the North American release, which begins in November with independent theater runs. Screenings are scheduled at Smodcastle Cinemas in New Jersey, Roxy Cinema in New York, and Cleveland Cinematheque, followed by January dates at Alamo Drafthouse locations.
What animation technique was used for the film?
The production employs rotoscoping, a process where live-action actors are filmed first and the resulting material is subsequently transformed into animation.
Which historical event inspires the narrative?
The story is loosely based on the 1691–1692 trial of the werewolf Thiess, taking place in 17th-century Livonia.
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