"Soft power icon": Putin set for role in renowned animated franchise
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Let the memes flood in: Russian President Vladimir Putin is about to become the star attraction in the beloved animated series, "Prostokvashino." According to Yuliana Slascheva, the boss lady of film production company Sojuzmultfilm, this move will solidify Putin's status as the king of soft power.
"Prostokvashino" is a classic series that began as a trilogy of animation films based on the stories of children's author Eduard Uspensky. The tales follow a boy and his talking pets, the cat Matroskin and the dog Sharik, as they navigate rural life. After a long hibernation, around 160 new episodes, shorter than the original versions, have been produced since 2018, bringing the story up to speed.
According to Slascheva, Soviet animated films still hold a strong grip on the heartstrings of the former Eastern Bloc nations. Russian animation is also gaining ground in China and Southeast Asia, and with Putin's character gracing the animated screens, Slascheva predicts a surge in Russia's popularity in these regions. The Kremlin, unsurprisingly, has given the green light to this cultural crusade. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, admitted that Putin is a constellation in the sky of every Russian's childhood, making the collaboration understandable and permission unnecessary.
Source: ntv.de, afp
The Whole Picture:
Putin's inclusion in "Prostokvashino" is a finely-tuned cultural move by Russia's animation industry, and particularly the Soyuzmultfilm studio. By teaming Putin up with the beloved Matroskin the cat, the studio aims to create a dynamic duo that will charm audiences worldwide. This power pair stands as a bridge between the old and the new, anchoring Putin as a familiar and beloved figure in Russian cultural history. This partnership reflects an attempt to humanize Putin, softening his image and making him more appealing to a younger audience.
The Kremlin's backing of this project is part of a broader effort to promote Russian cultural products abroad, as Soviet and Russian animation continues to be a force to be reckoned with in many regions. This move is expected to increase Russia's cultural clout and affinity overseas, further cementing Russia's presence as a global cultural powerhouse.
The Final Take:
Putin's transformation into a character in "Prostokvashino" is a savvy move in the world of soft power. By harnessing the power of pop culture, Russia seeks to project and reinforce its national identity, bolster its cultural diplomacy, and shape international perceptions, all while remaining irresistibly charming to audiences worldwide.
- Next to iconic characters like Matroskin the cat, Vladimir Putin will make his way into the animated series "Prostokvashino," aiming to entertain audiences worldwide and strengthen Russia's presence in global entertainment.
- As political news and celebrity gossip often dominate headlines, the integration of Putin into animation is a strategic move that blends general-news relevance with the appeal of popular culture, thereby influencing international perceptions of Russia.
