Eduard Vasilievich Nazarov, a multifaceted Russian creative force, came into the world on November 23, 1941, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Battle of Moscow, with the sounds of war echoing through the very bomb shelter that served as his birthplace. His parents, both Russian engineers, had met in the late 1930s while pursuing higher education at prestigious Moscow institutes.
Nazarov's family tree dates back to the Bryansk Oblast, where his ancestors hailed from a humble peasant background.
As a young individual, Nazarov's creative inclinations were initially sparked by a profound fascination with the art of painting, a passion that would only continue to intensify as he progressed through his formative years.
By the time he reached the 9th grade, Nazarov's artistic inclinations had become so pronounced that he felt compelled to take the next logical step, enrolling in an esteemed art school where he would soon cross paths with a lifelong friend and collaborator, the renowned animator Yuri Norstein.
Following the successful completion of his education, Nazarov's artistic trajectory took a brief detour as he served a three-year stint in the Soviet Army, an experience that would undoubtedly shape his perspective and inform his future creative endeavors.
Upon completing his military service, Nazarov would go on to further hone his craft at the prestigious Stroganov Institute, a renowned institution that would provide him with the ideal environment in which to refine his skills and prepare for a successful career in the world of animation.
Nazarov's journey in the world of animation commenced in 1959, when he joined the esteemed Soyuzmultfilm, a renowned animation studio, as an apprentice. Due to his delayed enrollment, he was unable to attend the traditional animation courses, thus opting for self-education as a means to hone his skills.
As he delved into his new role, Nazarov worked tirelessly as an artist-renderer, where he was responsible for rendering intricate designs and bringing stories to life. Under the guidance of the illustrious Mikhail Tsekhanovsky, he served as an art director's assistant, learning the intricacies of storytelling and visual storytelling.
Later, Nazarov would go on to work under the visionary Fyodor Khitruk, a master of his craft, and it was during this period that he would create the iconic Soviet adaptation of Winnie-the-Pooh, a beloved character that has captured the hearts of many.
From 1973 onwards, the accomplished filmmaker, Nazarov, embarked on a remarkable journey, simultaneously assuming the roles of director, art director, screenwriter, and voice actor, as he crafted his own short films. This remarkable period of creative expression saw him produce a plethora of works, with his most notable achievement being the highly acclaimed "Once Upon a Time there Lived a Dog" (1982).
This extraordinary film, which has left an indelible mark on the world of animation, went on to win the prestigious First Prize at the 1983 Odense International Film Festival, a testament to Nazarov's exceptional skill and dedication to his craft. Furthermore, his remarkable creation received a Special Jury Award at the 1983 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, solidifying his reputation as a master of his art.
Nazarov's unwavering passion and commitment to his work have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the world of animation, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence future generations of filmmakers.
Nazarov's professional journey as an educator spanned an impressive twenty-one years, from 1979 to 2000, during which time he was a valued member of the faculty at the High Courses for Scriptwriters and Film Directors.
In addition to his work as an educator, Nazarov also demonstrated a creative flair, as he brought his artistic talents to various book and magazine illustrations.
The final film he brought to life, "Martynko" (1987),holds a unique place in his body of work, as it was created during the tumultuous period of perestroika.
Unfortunately, "Martynko" was met with censorship, as it was banned for a period of four years due to Nazarov's unwavering stance on a particular creative decision.
Throughout the 1990s, Nazarov's creative endeavors encompassed directing commercials and hosting television programs focused on Russian and global animation.
In 1991, he assumed the role of co-president of the prestigious KROK International Animated Films Festival, in tandem with esteemed colleague David Cherkassky.
In 1993, Nazarov co-founded the SHAR animation school-studio, where he dedicated his time and expertise until his untimely passing.
Person Biography:
Sergey Nazarov was a prominent figure in the world of animation, renowned for his multifaceted career in film and television. Born with a passion for the art of animation, Nazarov's journey began with his involvement in the industry during the 1990s.
Nazarov's professional journey began in 2004 when he became a part of the prestigious Pilot Studio, collaborating on the ambitious and groundbreaking project, "Mountain of Gems". This monumental undertaking, backed by the government, brought together a collective of talented animators to create a sprawling TV series that drew inspiration from a diverse array of traditional fairy tales, carefully selected from across Russia and the former Soviet Union.
As he devoted himself to this project, Nazarov's dedication and expertise allowed him to produce an astonishing number of 13-minute shorts, numbering approximately seventy, each one meticulously crafted to bring these timeless stories to life. His tireless efforts continued until his untimely passing, leaving behind a lasting legacy that would be cherished by audiences for generations to come.
Eduard Nazarov, a remarkable individual, battled with diabetes for a significant portion of his life, ultimately requiring a surgical procedure at an advanced age, resulting in the amputation of one of his legs.
Undeterred by his health complications, Nazarov persevered, utilizing technology to continue sharing his knowledge with students, conducting online teaching sessions via Skype.
Tragically, Eduard Nazarov's life came to a close on September 11, 2016, and he was laid to rest at the Vagankovo Cemetery in Moscow, where his memory continues to be honored.
Person Biography:
Eduard Nazarov was a devoted educator who, despite the challenges posed by his health issues, remained committed to his students and continued to share his expertise through online platforms. His remarkable resilience and dedication to his craft have left a lasting impact on those whose lives he touched.
