Director Andzej Gavriss is joining Stink Films’ commercials and music video roster in Europe, the U.S. and Asia. (He continues to be handled by production company HALAL in Amsterdam.) Gavriss’ films and commercial projects plunge into an array of cinematic worlds uniquely his own–viewers are thrust into delirium in Bangkok, hypnotic dance sequences depicting societal struggles for the LGBTQIA+ community in Eastern Europe, and the fight to combat homelessness in Los Angeles.
Born into block-housing in Eastern Europe, Latvia, Gavriss escaped the monotony of his surroundings by building fascinating worlds in his mind. He found a new outlet for his creativity when his father brought a film camera home. Gavriss realized that with a camera not only can you capture a reality, but you can create your own. He began experimenting with what he had, whether it was stop-motion, puppetry, or testing practical effects in abandoned factories. At 13 he made his first short film and hasn’t stopped since.
Today, Gavriss takes his work around the world drawing on his experiences to illuminate topics that are important to him, even if they’re a little dangerous to talk about. His latest film in collaboration with Evgeny Primachenko WK Amsterdam, "We Will Become Better," challenges the anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment in Russia with a love story told through dance. The message of universal love potentially violates Russia’s 2013 “gay propaganda” law which criminalizes depictions of that community and their relationships.
In just the last two years his work has won nearly every international award, including Grand Prize and Gold for Direction at CLIO, Silver at Cannes Lions, Gold Screen at YDA 2020, Wooden Pencil for Direction at D&AD, and best cinematography in a music video at Camerimage. His most recent awards include Gold at 1.4, Silver for Direction at Eurobest, Bronze at Epica, and inclusion last year in The One Club for Creativity’s Young Guns 19 lineup celebrating creative professionals age 30 or younger.
“For me the creative comes first. I want to tell interesting stories, step out of my comfort zone and do the best work.” said Gavriss, adding, “It was important for me to find a company who is as ambitious as I am. Stink’s work consistently stands out; their team has good instincts and they are willing to fight for creativity. They are risk takers whose eyes are sparkling with energy. I’m looking forward to working together.”
Blake Powell, Stink’s global head of film, said, “I think ‘We Will Become Better‘ is a standout piece of work this year. It blew me away. It’s beautifully constructed and directed. Andzej, like that piece, has an incredible energy and passion that is infectious. The team can’t wait to get going.”
