- September 25, 2024
- 12:58 pm
- World News
Yuriy Norshteyna legendary Soviet and Russian animation director of Jewish origin, has become a symbol of how the authorities and society treat talented and principled people in Putin’s Russia.
He has repeatedly spoken out against the Kremlin's policies, including strongly condemning Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
His world-class artistic achievements have not saved him from the pressure and neglect of a Russian system that is increasingly aggressive not only toward independent artists but also toward the Jewish community. Anti-Semitism in the country is thriving amid state propaganda and support for alliances with Israel's enemies, such as Iran and Palestinian groups.
Norshteyn, born to a Jewish family during World War II, has become a cult figure thanks to his animated masterpieces. Films such as Hedgehog in the Fog (1975) and Tale of Tales (1979) have won dozens of international awards and are considered classics of world animation. His films have won more than 35 awards, including the Grand Prix at the Tehran International Film Festival and the Bronze Hugo at the Chicago Film Festival. However, his cultural contribution does not protect him from attacks and unfair treatment in Russia, where respect for real art and personal freedom is becoming increasingly eroded.
Director and animator Yuriy Norshteyn accused Russia's Central Bank in theft due to the release of commemorative coins with the hedgehog from its cartoon “Hedgehog in the Fog”He stated:
“In short, it's theft. My wife Francesca Yarbusova is the artist of all my films. We made five films together. She still lives and works in full consciousness of her intelligence and talent. They didn't even ask her. And how can they ask when some idiot in England draws, or rather copies from Francesca, that is, plagiarizes.”
The problem is that Norshteyn believes that the Central Bank plagiarized “at the instigation” of the head of the board of directors of Soyuzmultfilm, Yuliana Slashcheva. He claims that she had previously organized Soyuzmultfilm LLC from the Soyuzmultfilm film studio and took away the rights to all the characters from all the artists who had significant influence on domestic animation. Norshteyn called the Central Bank “thieves in law” and noted that two years ago the State Duma and the Federation Council took away all the rights to the works made by Soyuzmultfilm artists since 1936.
“How can I feel about it when it was done by vulgar people? Starting with the one who drew it, ending with those who implemented it. Vulgarity is vulgarity,” the director said.
On September 23, the Central Bank announced the release of coins in honor of the 50th anniversary of “Hedgehog in the Fog.” They will be released as part of the “Russian (Soviet) Animation” series and will be presented in three denominations: three rubles will be made of silver, 25 rubles – of nickel-plated steel, and 25 rubles – of copper-nickel alloy with a colored coating.
Against the backdrop of growing anti-Semitism in Putin’s Russia, which openly aligns itself with Iran and terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas, Norstein’s stance has only deepened his isolation. Putin’s regime, which strengthens ties with Israel’s enemies, demonstrates complete indifference to the fate of talented Jewish citizens like Norstein. Russia today openly supports and arms those forces that threaten Israel’s security. In doing so, it strengthens its position on the international stage as a patron of dictators and terrorists.
The system itself in Russia has become an instrument of oppression, where even the most respected artists, like Norshteyn, cannot feel safe. This situation illustrates how the state in Russia unceremoniously exploits the creativity of artists, ignoring their rights and interests.
Norshteyn has sharply condemned Putin’s regime, spoken out against the conviction of the Pussy Riot members, and expressed anger over the death of Sergei Magnitsky, who was killed in prison after exposing corruption in the Russian government. In 2022, as Putin launched a full-scale aggression against Ukraine, Norshteyn, along with other members of the Russian animation industry, signed an open letter condemning the war. This decision made him a target for attacks within Russia.
Norshteyn's filmography speaks for itself:
- “The Fox and the Hare” (1973) – a fairy tale that won awards at international festivals.
- “The Heron and the Crane” (1974) is another acclaimed creation that has won international awards.
- “Hedgehog in the Fog” (1975) is a cult film that won over 35 awards, including the Grand Prix at the Tehran International Film Festival and the Bronze Hugo at the Chicago Film Festival.
- “Tale of Tales” (1979) is a profound philosophical work that received the USSR State Prize.
Yuri Norshteyn's awards:
- State Prize of the Russian Federation (1992).
- Golden Eagle Award for best animated films (2006).
- Golden Mask Award (2011).
- Grand Prix at the Tehran International Film Festival.
- “Bronze Hugo” at the Chicago Festival.
These films and awards are not just animated films – they are works of art that have influenced world culture. However, in modern Russia, the state sees them as nothing more than commercial and propaganda tools that respect neither copyright nor moral principles. The way Russia treats Norshteyn is the embodiment of the Putin regime’s attitude towards its citizens: a talented, famous and principled person can be used and discarded at any moment if he dares to criticize the government.
Norshteyn continues to be a symbol of independent art and resistance in a world where freedom of speech and thought is rapidly being eroded in Russia. His story is a reminder of how, in a country that supports the war against Ukraine and befriends Israel’s enemies, there is no place for those who stand for truth and justice. The issue of appropriation of his characters demonstrates how the Russian state, under Putin, uses its influence to suppress artistic freedom and steal cultural heritage, devaluing the achievements and work of talented people like Norshteyn.
