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Legendary Soviet and Russian animator Theodore Khitruk died

The most popular of Khitruk’s works was the famous Winnie the Pooh trilogy

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, December 3 / ITAR-TASS /. Legendary Soviet and Russian animator Theodore Khitruk died today in Moscow. This was reported by his family. He was 96 years old.

The place and time of his funeral is still being decided.

Fedor Khitruk was born May 1, 1917 in the city of Tver. A director, writer, teacher and translator, he was awarded two State Prizes in the USSR. According to the master, "Animation is the shortest distance between thought and manner. The possibilities of this art form are endless."

All 15 Khitruk’s films are a testament to this statement. These included the dramatic tale The History of a Crime, a parable about loneliness The Island, a lyrical story Vacation Boniface, and Film, film, film ... which parodied the process of creating a cinematic masterpiece from script to premiere. And perhaps the most popular of Khitruk’s works was the famous Winnie the Pooh trilogy.

Khitruk participated in the Great Patriotic War. After graduating from infantry school, he reported to the front. He returned to his beloved profession in Moscow in 1947.

In a recent interview with Itar-Tass, Khitruk admitted that he had spent nearly 70 years of his life engaged with animation, and through it all, he worked with great enthusiasm and joy. "I am happy that I chose this wonderful profession,” Khitruk said.

A two-volume book called “Profession: animator,” was published in Moscow several years ago. It reveals memories of the great artist’s life and work as well as his thoughts on the art of animation.

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