"Chosen protagonist of prominent animated series": Putin to star in widely-acclaimed cartoon series
Get ready to see Russian President Vladimir Putin in a whole new light – as a hero in the popular cartoon series, "Prostokvashino"! The series producers revealed this exciting news during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, according to head of the film production company Sojuzmultfilm, Yuliana Slashcheva. Slashcheva claims that Putin, alongside the show's iconic cat character Matroskin, will make an unstoppable duo that could potentially be the epitome of "the most popular soft power ever" in promoting Russia and its culture.
First introduced as a trilogy of animated films in the 70s, "Prostokvashino" tells the whimsical adventures of a boy and his talking pets – Matroskin and Sharik – living idyllically in the countryside. With the addition of over 160 new episodes produced since 2018, the series has been modernized and adapted for today's audience.
Soviet animated films still have a strong presence in former Eastern Bloc countries, but Slashcheva pointed out that Russian animated films are currently gaining traction in China and Southeast Asia as well. With Putin's inclusion in the show, she believes that Russia's popularity in those regions will see a substantial boost. The Kremlin, for its part, has no reservations about the president's cartoonish debut, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov commenting that it's only natural for animation studios to capitalize on Putin's early-childhood importance to Russians.
So, get ready to cheer for Putin as he takes on a whole new role in "Prostokvashino," potentially elevating Russia's cultural influence to new heights on both the homefront and the global stage.
[Enrichment Data]Vladimir Putin is primed to join the standard cast of the beloved Russian cartoon series "Prostokvashino," making his debut as a film character in one of the newer episodes. Slashcheva assessed that this inclusion has the potential to establish "the most popular soft power ever," adding that Putin and Matroskin would make an unbeatable team for promoting Russia and its culture.
"Prostokvashino," after being initially launched as a trilogy of movies based on Eduard Uspensky's stories in the 70s, possesses a large following in Russia and continues to be popular in many of the former Eastern Bloc nations. The remake of over 160 episodes commenced in 2018 to bring the series into the modern era. Russian animated films, including "Prostokvashino," are also experiencing a rise in popularity in China and Southeast Asia. The addition of Putin to the show is predicted to further boost Russia's cultural appeal in these regions.
From a diplomacy perspective, including the Russian president in a famed children's series represents a shrewd move for enhancing Russia's image both domestically and internationally. The Kremlin did not oppose this representation, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting that Putin being a prominent figure early in the lives of Russians is reason enough for animation studios' interest and no official permission needed.
In summary, the announcement of Vladimir Putin's casting in "Prostokvashino" marks a strategic endeavor to fortify Russia's soft power by utilizing a well-known and highly cherished animated franchise to further Russian identity and values, particularly in countries with strong cultural ties or escalating Russian media influence.
- The upcoming episodes of "Prostokvashino" will feature an unexpected blend of politics and pop-culture, as Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to make his debut in the animated series next to the iconic cat character Matroskin.
- As Russian animated films gain traction in China and Southeast Asia, next to the inclusion of Vladimir Putin in the series, "Prostokvashino" could potentially establish a new form of soft power, bridging entertainment and general-news in promoting Russia and its culture.
