Fyodor Savelyevich Khitruk, a renowned Russian and Soviet animator and animation director, entered the world on May 1, 1917, in Tver, a city located within the vast Russian Empire, where he was born into a Jewish family. With a strong desire to pursue a career in graphic design, Khitruk relocated to Moscow, the capital city of the Soviet Union, to enroll in the esteemed OGIS College for Applied Arts, where he would eventually graduate in 1936.
After completing his education, Khitruk commenced his professional journey with the prominent animation studio "Soyuzmultfilm" in 1938, initially serving as an animator. Over time, he would transition to the role of director in 1962, solidifying his position as a prominent figure within the Russian animation industry.
The cinematic masterpiece "Story of One Crime", released in the early 1960s, served as the catalyst for a creative resurgence in Soviet animation, as it boldly departed from the Disney-inspired conventions that had previously dominated the industry.
Khitruk's distinctive artistic approach, defined by its laconic yet multifaceted, intellectually stimulating, and visually striking narrative style, effectively differentiated him from his contemporaries.
Throughout the extensive and remarkable duration of his professional trajectory, the renowned animator and filmmaker, Khitruk, has had the distinction of directing a plethora of iconic and culturally significant animated short films, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
Some of the most notable and enduring examples of his impressive body of work include the thought-provoking and socially conscious satire, "Man in the Frame", released in 1966, which skillfully utilized the medium of animation to comment on and critique various aspects of modern society.
Additionally, Khitruk's oeuvre also boasts the enigmatic and philosophically rich parable, "Island", which premiered in 1973 and continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of artistic vision and intellectual curiosity.
Furthermore, his biographical film, "A Young Man Named Engels – A Portrait in Letters", released in 1970, stands as a testament to his ability to craft compelling narratives that not only educate but also entertain, providing audiences with a nuanced and intimate portrait of the subject.
Moreover, Khitruk's impressive range and versatility as a filmmaker are also evident in his parody, "Film, Film, Film", which premiered in 1968 and showcases his ability to blend humor and wit with his trademark artistic flair.
Lastly, his powerful and poignant anti-war film, "Lion and Bull", released in 1984, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of artistic expression in challenging societal norms and promoting peace and understanding.
Khitruk embarked on a new creative endeavour in 1993, co-founding the esteemed SHAR Studio, an animation school and studio in Russia, in collaboration with three other accomplished animators. This notable venture marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Additionally, he published a comprehensive two-volume book, "Profession of Animation", in 2008, solidifying his reputation as a respected authority in the field.
On a personal note, Khitruk was deeply proud of his granddaughter, Anastasia Khitruk, who has followed in his footsteps, showcasing exceptional talent as a violin virtuoso.
Fyodor Savelyevich Khitruk, a renowned animation luminary, bid farewell to this mortal coil on December 3, 2012, at the venerable age of 95, his passing leaving an indelible mark on the world of animation and filmmaking, as his remarkable body of work continues to captivate and inspire successive generations of animators and filmmakers, a testament to his enduring legacy.
