Hedgehog in the Fog

Yuri Norstein, is widely considered one of the greatest animators of all time. His best-known film is Hedgehog in the Fog (1976), based on a story by Sergei Kozlov.

One of the most striking aspects is 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 has pioneered using physical media to create three-dimensional effects. He uses multiple layers of glass panes to create an image.

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

Norstein continues to animate - he has been working on one film since 1981! But public opposition to the invasion of Ukraine has made his situation very difficult in his home country.

In Kyiv, there has long been a statue in honour of Hedgehog in the Fog.

An introduction to Yuri Norstein (video)

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