The first “Conversations About Important Things” lessons of the new year were held in Russian schools. This time, the topic was domestic animation, with Soyuzmultfilm — which marked its 90th anniversary — as the official partner.
According to the teaching materials, the lesson aimed to introduce students to animation as part of the country’s “cultural heritage” and to foster a “sense of national pride in the achievements of Russian animation.”
During the lesson, children were told about the “evolution of domestic animation,” with emphasis on the idea that cartoons are not just entertainment, but also a tool of education that conveys the “core values of our society.”
Particular attention was given to characters from popular franchises. Ilya Muromets, Dobrynya Nikitich, and Alyosha Popovich were presented as role models: according to the lesson authors, they “always bravely defend the Motherland and stand up for justice.”
Another key message was the idea of national cultural exceptionalism: students were told that Russian animation is a source of universal recognition and pride, and that “our cartoons are known all over the planet.”
“Looking at the evolution of domestic animation, one cannot help but feel a special sense of pride in our animation school,” — the lesson script states.
📌 As part of the “What to watch?” recommendations, the materials included the Russian animated series Prostokvashino, a continuation of the Soviet-era cartoons. In one of the recent episodes, Putin appeared as one of the characters.
