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------------------------------------------------------------------------95 minutes Russian, English subtitles, Russia/Israel 2004
Directors: Yonathan & Masha Zur
In 1935, three Walt Disney films were screened in Moscow. Fyodor Khitruk, then a young art student, saw these films and didn't believe his eyes; he was convinced that he had seen a miracle unfolding before him. What he didn't know was that one day he himself would become one of the greats of Russian animation. Through his personal story, we discover a magical art form that remained closed behind the Iron Curtain for decades. Compared to the other arts – especially literature and theater – the animated films, considered a children's art form, passed relatively easily through the strict censorship of the Soviet Union. Like all Soviet institutions, the animation studios Soyuzmultfilm enjoyed full government support, a fact that provided the artists with generous production budgets as well as distribution in 112,000 cinemas around the USSR. This situation allowed for the development of a tradition of animation style that was not only for children. Magia Russica moves between the sights and sounds of the Russian landscape, and into those of the animated films themselves. The films reflected not only the difficult though humor-filled Soviet experience, but also the rich cultural heritage of Russia, with Pushkin as its spiritual father. Today, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Russia makes the transition into capitalism, the animation artists discover that the rules of the market and ratings are not necessarily less restrictive than ideological censorship. In a rare look into the artistic process, at the creation of magic, the artists share their ideas about art, about cinema and about the way in which these should be related to. Magia Russica is guided by the spirit of their words.
The DVD will be available in 1.5 months.
Those that preorder now will get a sale pice discount
magiarussicapadRegular price: $24.95padSale price: $20.95
Ces disques, plus les indispensables sur Norstein et Masters of Russian Animation sur : http://store.russiananimation.com/dvds.htmlFrom 1924 to perestroika the USSR produced more than 4 dozen animated propaganda films. They weren't for export. Their target was the new nation and their goal was to win over the hearts and minds of the Soviet people. Anti American, Anti Capitalist, Anti Fascist, some of these films are as artistically beautiful as the great political posters made after the 1917 revolution. A unique series. With a unique perspective. Includes commentary by a leading Soviet film scholar.
(5 hour Disk Set) One hour of documentary and 4 hours of animated films.
The dvd will be available whithin 1 month. Either preorder now or come back in a month. Those that preorder now will get the 10% discount.