"Prominent Soft Power Figure": Putin Set to Star in Popular Animated Series
Get ready to welcome an extraordinary duo on your screens. Eduard Uspensky's classic animated series "Prostokvashino", originally a trilogy of films, is set for a revamp with a modern twist, introducing none other than Russian President Vladimir Putin as a character. Yuliana Slascheva, head of film production company Sojuzmultfilm, made this exciting announcement at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, stating, "This will be the most popular soft power there is."
The original "Prostokvashino" series depicts the escapades of a boy and his talking pets, Matroskin the cat and Sharik the dog, all while romanticizing rural life. Following a 30-year hiatus, around 160 new, shorter episodes were produced starting in 2018, updating the setting to the present day.
According to Slascheva, Soviet and Russian animated films are highly sought-after in the former Eastern Bloc and are increasingly popular in countries like China and Southeast Asia. Incorporating Putin into the series is anticipated to further heighten Russia's popularity in these regions. With no objections from the Kremlin, Putin's animated character should make for an interesting addition, given that he is deeply entwined in the lives of Russians, especially during their formative years.
The decision to introduce Putin alongside Matroskin is strategic, serving as a powerful "soft power" tool to boost Russian culture and showcase a favorable image both domestically and internationally—particularly in regions where Putin's influence may resonate strongly.
This fantastic combo stands to reinvent and enhance the series' cultural impact, capitalizing on "Prostokvashino"'s established popularity as a beloved and nostalgic cultural icon. The creative team behind the series hopes to boost Russia's influence in regions with a strong penchant for Soviet and Russian animated films, cementing its cultural footprint even further.
So, buckle up for a fantastic and intriguing combination of nostalgia, political messaging, and animation. Get ready to watch Putin and Matroskin unite on the big screen, promoting cultural exchange and friendship one episode at a time!
[1] ntv.de[2] afp[3] soyuzmultfilm.ru[4] WIONews[5] Russian in Perspective
- The revamped animated series "Prostokvashino" will be next to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as he has been introduced as a character in the series.
- This new adaptation of "Prostokvashino" is anticipated to increase Russia's popularity not just domestically, but also in the former Eastern Bloc, China, and Southeast Asia, next to the already high demand for Soviet and Russian animated films in these regions.
