Feb 28 2024
The 1973 animation Fox and Rabbit (Лиса и заяц) was Yuri Norstein’s debut as an exclusive director. In keeping with Norstein’s most beloved animation techniques, it is made with wonderful cut-outs and has that signature Norstein earthy feel, brimming with folksy forest animals and seasonal motifs. Based on a Russian folk tale, it is the …
Feb 27 2024
Born on this day February 27, 1930, Rolly Crump, an iconic Disney Imagineer, is a name that resonates profoundly in the realm of animation and design. Many of us may not readily recognize his name, but we have certainly been touched by his creative genius. Crump’s contributions as an animator and designer at Walt Disney …
Feb 21 2024
Released on January 1, 1971, The Battle of Kerzhenets is based on the mythical underwater city of Kitezh. According to legend, the Russian town “Little Kitezh” was built on the Volga River in the early 13th century. The Mongols had been invading nearby territories during this time, and when they reached Kitezh they started to attack the …
Feb 05 2024
“There it is, Wendy! Second star to the right and straight on ’til morning.” Peter Pan Today is the birthday of the Disney classic, Peter Pan, released February 5th, 1953. The Disney classic is an enduring and beloved work of animation that has captured the hearts of many across several generations. This enchanting adaptation of …
Jan 31 2024
“Bashō” was animated by Soviet-born artist Yuri Norstein (revered director of Seasons, Hedgehog in the Fog, and Tale of Tales) using cut-out animation. It is a segment of the film Winter Days (originally 冬の日 Fuyu no Hi), which is a collage of animated short films comprised of mostly Japanese pieces, directed by Kihachirō Kawamoto. Winter Days is based …
Jan 17 2024
While Rankin & Bass were celebrating wintertime with their charming 1960’s stop-motion animations for Americans, including the beloved Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Soviet animator and director Roman Kachanov was making his own adorable stop-motion films, including the celebrated Cheburashka children’s series consisting of Gena the Crocodile, Cheburashka, Shapoklyak and Cheburashka Goes to School. A prolific artist, Kachanov was also …
Jan 05 2024
Born on this day, January 5, 1941, in Tokyo, Hayao Miyazaki is a name that stands tall in the world of animation, creating a legacy that is not only unique but also deeply influential. His artistic brilliance has been the driving force behind some of the most beloved animated films of our time, each a …
Dec 06 2023
For generations, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has delighted audiences with his bright red nose and heartwarming tale of acceptance. But have you ever wondered about the story behind this beloved Christmas character? Enter Rankin-Bass, the production company that brought Rudolph to life and transformed him from a misfit into an icon. Through a combination of …
Nov 29 2023
This animated short was created by Russian artist Yuri Norstein, who is known for his attention to fine detail in his beautiful handmade stop-motion films which often include layers of sketches and paintings on paper and glass. It took Norstein almost two years to create this short piece. Norstein creates delicate movements, a unique sense …
Apr 19 2023
This wonderfully illustrated 1968 Russian animation is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. It begins with a Copenhagen tour guide’s introduction to Andersen’s story, and unfolds to show us the rest of the story, which is not quite the same as the Disney version. As is often the case with re-imagined fairy tales, the older tale …
