Hedgehog in the Fog

Hedgehog in the Fog is a wonderful Russian animated short from 1976. According to director, Yuri Norstein, 'creative disagreement' inspired the film's hero's extraordinary appearance:

 

"I remember sitting with the film's artist [and Norstein's wife] Francesca Yarbusova and I started shouting so much that she just sat down and drew him. Just right away - done! But I still can't figure out how we made him so well."

Stop Motion Pioneer

Norstein, is widely considered one of the greatest animators of all time. He has pioneered using physical mediums to create three-dimensional effects, using multiple layers of glass panes to create an image. His most famous film is based on a story by Sergei Kozlov.

 

 In 2003 Hedgehog in the Fog won the "№1 Animated film of all the time" contest in Tokyo. 

Norstein continues to animate - he has been working on one film since 1981! But his outspoken criticisms of the current Russian government have effectively curtailed his career.  

His position has been especially difficult since he publicly opposed the invasion of Ukraine - where there has long been a statue in honour of Hedgehog in the Fog in Kiyv.

An introduction to Yuri Norstein (video)