The message reads, in part:
“As a film director, screenwriter and artist, you belong to a galaxy of legendary Russian animation artists, whose brilliant and talented works always remain popular and are rightfully considered all-time classics. And, of course, your long-time educational work and your sincere focus on educating gifted young people deserve profound gratitude.”
Yuri Norstein is a holder of the USSR State Prize, as well as many Russian and foreign prizes and awards. The animation films Hedgehog in the Fog, The Heron and the Crane and The Tale of Tales brought him worldwide fame.