Director Andzej Gavriss joins Stink Films’ roster of commercials and music videos in Europe, the United States and Asia. (He continues to be managed by the HALAL production company in Amsterdam.) Gavriss’ films and commercial projects delve into an array of cinematic worlds all his own – viewers are immersed in delirium in Bangkok, sequences of hypnotic dance illustrating the societal struggles for the LGBTQIA+ community in Eastern Europe and the fight against homelessness in Los Angeles.

Born in a blockhouse in Eastern Europe, Latvia, Gavriss escaped the monotony of his environment by constructing fascinating worlds in his mind. He found a new outlet for his creativity when his father brought home a film camera. Gavriss realized that with a camera, not only can you capture a reality, but you can also create your own. He started experimenting with what he had, whether it was stop-motion, puppets, or hands-on effects testing 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 a little dangerous to talk about. Her latest film in collaboration with Evgeny Primachenko WK Amsterdam, “We Will Become Better”, challenges 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 this community and their relationships.

In the past two years alone, his work has won almost every international award, including Grand Prix and Gold for Directing at CLIO, Silver at Cannes Lions, Golden Screen at YDA 2020 , the Wooden Pencil for Directing at D&AD, and Best Cinematography in a Music Video. at Camerimage. His most recent awards include gold at 1.4, silver for management at Eurobest, bronze at Epica, and inclusion last year in The One Club for Creativity’s Young Guns 19 lineup celebrating professionals in the creation of 30 years or less.

“For me, creation comes first. I want to tell interesting stories, get out of my comfort zone and do the best job. said Gavriss, adding, “It was important for me to find a company that was as ambitious as I was. Stink’s work consistently stands out; their team has good instincts and they are ready to fight for creativity. They are risk takers whose eyes sparkle with energy. I look forward to working together.

Blake Powell, Global Head of Film at Stink, said: “I think ‘We’ll Get Better’ is a stellar job this year. It blew me away. It is beautifully constructed and crafted. Andzej, like this piece, has incredible energy and passion that is contagious. The team can’t wait to get started.