Hedgehog in the Fog

Hedgehog in the Fog (Russian: Ёжик в тумане, Yozhik v tumane; [ˈjɵʐɨk f tʊˈmanʲɪ]) is a 1975 Soviet animated film directed by Yuriy Norshteyn, produced by the Soyuzmultfilm studio in Moscow. The Russian script was written by Sergei Kozlov, who also published a book under the same name. In 2006, Norshteyn published a book titled Hedgehog in the Fog, listing himself as an author alongside Kozlov.

Plot

Hedgehog in the Fog movie scenes Russian animation finds itself in a state of a deep lethargic sleep Today s attempts to make anything worthy are as alive as the growing nails of Lenin

This is a story about a little hedgehog (voiced by Maria Vinogradova), who is on his way to visit his friend the bear cub. As explained in the introductory narration, the two would meet every evening to drink tea from the cub's samovar, which was heated on a fire of juniper twigs. As they drank their tea, the hedgehog and the bear would chat and count the stars together.

Hedgehog in the Fog movie scenes The hedgehog in the fog

On this day, the hedgehog decides to bring the bear cub some raspberry jam. As Hedgehog heads out, a sinister looking eagle-owl is following him. Hedgehog passes through the woods and encounters a beautiful white horse standing in a fog. He is curious as to whether the horse would drown if it went to sleep in the fog. The hedgehog decides to explore the fog for himself. As he goes down an incline into the fog, it is soon so thick that the hedgehog can't even see his own paw.

Hedgehog in the Fog Hedgehog in the Fog Yuriy Norshteyn 1975 HQ YouTube

The fog alternately thickens and thins; when it thins the hedgehog briefly catches vague sight of objects and creatures which disappear again as the fog thickens. Hedgehog finds himself in a surreal and frightening world inhabited by shapes which are not always identifiable and various creatures ranging from predators to friendly animals, in a world of silence and rustles, darkness, tall grass and enchanting stars.

Hedgehog in the Fog Hedgehog in the Fog 1975 MUBI

The owl, which has been following the hedgehog, appears near him suddenly and hoots; only to disappear again, prompting the Hedgehog to call it a psycho (Russian: псих). The hedgehog is frightened, but his curiosity keeps him exploring the unknown. Occasionally an unseen distant voice is heard calling out for Hedgehog. As Hedgehog explores a large hollow tree, he realizes he has lost the raspberry jam. As he stumbles along, a large dog finds him and gives it to him.

Hedgehog in the Fog Hedgehog in the Fog Illustration by Francesca Yarbusova and Yuri

Hedgehog falls into a river and believes he is going to drown. He floats downstream on his back and is rescued, possibly by a fish, and is set on shore. The Hedgehog arrives at the campfire where bear cub is brewing tea. Bear (voiced by Vyacheslav Nevinniy) explains that he was calling for the hedgehog, worried that he was late. The two sit together drinking tea and the bear talks and the hedgehog thinks of the horse.

Awards

Hedgehog in the Fog Hedgehog in the Fog The Inspiration Room

1976—Frunze All-Union Film Festival: Hedgehog in the Fog "best animated film"

1976—Tehran Children's and Youth Film Festival: Hedgehog in the Fog "best animated film"

2003—Tokyo All time animation best 150 in Japan and Worldwide: Hedgehog in the Fog "№1 Animated film of all the time"

Other information

Hedgehog in the Fog Classic Russian Animation Hedgehog in the Fog Content Catnip

The fog effects were created by putting a very thin piece of paper on top of the scene and slowly lifting it up toward the camera frame-by-frame until everything behind it became blurry and white.

Legacy

Hedgehog in the Fog Julias Bookbag Hedgehog in the Fog

Hedgehog in the Fog (1975) was ranked #1 in a poll at the 2003 Laputa Animation Festival where 140 animators from around the world voted for the best animated films of all time.

Since January 2009 the main character (the Hedgehog) from the movie has a statue in the city center of the capital of Ukraine, Kiev.

The film was referenced in the third episode of the eighth season of the animated comedy series Family Guy, "Spies Reminiscent of Us", in 2009.

The opening ceremonies for the 2014 Winter Olympics referenced this work, mentioning it in a list of signature Russian accomplishments and artists, including Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Sputnik.