Fyodor Khitruk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fyodor Khitruk
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Fyodor Savelyevich Khitruk
1 May 1917 |
| Died | 3 December 2012 (aged 95) |
| Occupation | Animator, director |
Fyodor Savelyevich Khitruk (born May 1, 1917 – died December 3, 2012) was a famous animator and director from Russia. He created many beloved animated films. He is known for his unique style and for helping Russian animation become popular again.
Contents
Life and Career of Fyodor Khitruk
Fyodor Khitruk was born in Tver, a city in what was then the Russian Empire. He later moved to Moscow to study graphic design. He finished his studies in 1936.
In 1938, he began working as an animator at Soyuzmultfilm. This was a major animation studio in the Soviet Union. He worked there as an animator for many years.
Becoming a Director
In 1962, Khitruk started directing his own films. His very first film as a director was The Story of a Crime. This movie was a huge success. Many people believe this film marked a new beginning for Soviet animation. It helped animation become popular again after a quiet period.
Khitruk developed his own special animation style. It was different from the popular Disney-like cartoons of the 1950s and 1960s. His style was simple but deep, and very lively.
Famous Animated Films
Fyodor Khitruk directed many classic animated short films. These films often had important messages or funny stories.
Some of his well-known works include:
- The Man in the Frame (1966): This film was a funny look at people who work in offices.
- Island (1973): This was a thoughtful story about feeling alone in the modern world.
- Film, Film, Film (1968): A humorous movie about making films.
- The Lion and the Bull (1984): An anti-war film with a powerful message.
He also directed the popular Soviet Winnie-the-Pooh films. These movies are still loved by many children and adults in Russia.
Later Years and Legacy
In April 1993, Khitruk helped start SHAR Studio. This was an animation school and studio in Russia. He founded it with three other leading animators: Yuri Norstein, Andrei Khrzhanovsky, and Eduard Nazarov.
In 2008, he wrote a two-volume book called The Profession of Animation. This book shares his knowledge and experiences in the world of animation. His granddaughter, Anastasia Khitruk, is a talented violin player.
Fyodor Khitruk lived in Moscow for most of his life. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 95. His work continues to inspire animators and delight audiences around the world.
Filmography
Here are some of the animated films Fyodor Khitruk worked on:
- The Snow Queen (1957) (as an animator)
- The Story of a Crime (1962)
- Stompy (1964)
- Boniface's Holiday (1965)
- The Man in the Frame (1966)
- Othello 67 (1967)
- Film, Film, Film (1968)
- Winnie-the-Pooh (1969)
- The Young Friedrich Engels (1970)
- Winnie-the-Pooh Pays a Visit (1971)
- Winnie-the-Pooh and a Busy Day (1972)
- Island (1973)
- I Grant You A Star (1974)
- Icarus and the Wise Men (1976)
- O Sport, You Are Peace! (1981)
- Olympians (1982)
- The Lion and the Bull (1983)
Awards and Recognition
Fyodor Khitruk received many important awards and honors for his work. These show how much his contributions to animation were valued.
Major Honors
- Order of the Red Banner of Labour (1971)
- People's Artist of the RSFSR (1977)
- People's Artist of USSR (1987)
- Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 3rd class (1998)
Film Festival Awards
Khitruk's films won many awards at international film festivals:
- The Story of a Crime (1962): Won the "Golden Gate" Prize at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
- Boniface's Holiday (1965): Won the "Golden Pelican" Prize at the International Animation Film Festival in Mamaia.
- Film, Film, Film! (1968): Received an Honorary Diploma at the International Short Film Festival in Kraków.
- The Young Friedrich Engels (1970): Won the "Golden Dove" Prize at the International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film.
- Island (1973): Won the "Golden Palm" for short films at the Cannes International Film Festival.
- I Grant You A Star (1974): Received a Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
- The Lion and the Bull (1983): Won an audience prize at the International Festival of Animation films in Toronto.
Other Significant Awards
- USSR State Prize (1976 and 1982): Awarded for several of his films, including the Winnie the Pooh series and O Sport, You Are Peace!.
- Prize of the President of the Russian Federation in literature and art (1998).
- Annecy International Animated Film Festival Jury Award (2006): For his lifetime achievements in animation.
- Nika Award "Honour and Dignity" (2006): A very special award, making him the only cartoonist to receive it.
- Animafest Zagreb World Festival of Animated Film Lifetime Achievement Award (2006).
See also
- History of Russian animation
- Konstantin Bronzit
