More than 200 exhibits on display for the 110th anniversary of Russian animation

An interactive exhibition dedicated to the 110th anniversary of Russian animation has opened in Moscow with over 200 exhibits. The exhibition features sketches of films that have already become classic examples of animation, as well as experimental and avant-garde films.

"It is formed from original sketches, original puppets. We know the films themselves, but we never see the process of making them. The originals were created by great artists. You can see how their train of thought went. To read, listen to stories on headphones about how iconic films were made, as we would say now," said Boris Mashkovtsev, director of Soyuzmultfilm Studios.

Familiar characters in unfamiliar surroundings: under glass and in frames. Each draft or sketch is a complete composition in its own right. Archival materials reveal the process of painting and, more broadly, the development of the industry.

"We wanted to show all stages in the development of our national animation through iconic films. Through those films that have not only touched the hearts of audiences, but have also influenced the development of animation in our country. And these are not always films that are well known to a wide audience," said Olga Shin, co-curator of the exhibition.

One example is the first picture in the history of the Russian animation industry. It saw the light of day in 1912 and influenced more than just domestic authors. The film "The Beautiful Leukanida, or the War of the Horned and the Moustached" was a world-wide event. It launched a new genre of puppet animation. The audience, according to the recollections of contemporaries, for several years could not unravel the secret of the hitherto unseen actors - they thought they were real trained insects. And director Vladislav Starevich masterfully maintained the illusion.

The era of silent movies, the advent of sound and then colour: styles and technology succeed each other before the eyes of the visitor. New formats are being born, cartoon series are appearing. Pages from the history of television are also part of the exhibition. For example, "Goodnight Babies", which first appeared on the air in 1964. And here is one of the presenters on this side of the TV screen.

"We combined the huge body of information accumulated in the industry with modern positioning approaches to tell the story of the development of this field in an interesting and contemporary way," stressed Aleksandr Karmaev, the exhibition's producer.

As the exhibition is interactive, you can not only look at the exhibits, but also play with some of them. Visitors will also be able to assemble a familiar shot on their own: the hall, which is dedicated to modernity, showcases computer technology for creating characters.

Photo: TV BRICS