The message reads, in part:
“You have won recognition as a talented director and artist. Throughout the years of your fruitful work, you have done a great deal to promote animation in our country, adding new masterpieces to Soyuzmultfilm’s unique heritage.
Your work maintains its enduring appeal and has every right to be viewed as classic Russian animation.”
Leonid Shvartsman worked for Soyuzmultfilm Studios for more than 50 years, creating dozens of popular animated films. He was awarded the Presidential Prize for Writing and Art for Children and Young People.