Funny and touching watercolor characters are coming alive in short flicks brought to Moscow from Asia. Classics from Chinese national animation style are being presented in the 35mm movie club.

The classics of Chinese animation are being shown in Russia for the first time. Works on display are those of the Shanghai animation studio masters made in the 1960s and 1980s.

There was a long pause in the world of animation, and in the art world in general in China, between the 1960s and the 1980s, after the Communists began the Cultural Revolution in 1965, which deprived many artists of their freedom of expression.

However, those who were pioneers in the world of Chinese animation in the 1960s managed to continue their work in the 1980s. Those years were later named the “Golden Age”of Chinese animation, which became the country’s true historical heritage. Magical characters and the country’s legends and myths found expression in beautiful and bright watercolors.

The spirit of the time is felt even more today, now that the films are being shown to international audiences after some 30 years. It’s a unique chance to see the best of the Chinese animation in Moscow as the festival continues through December 27.