Irina Kryakova

Old Record

Aliens get acquainted with the music of earthlings by taking with them a box of Leonid Utyosov's records. This animated tribute to Utyosov was released on the first anniversary of his death.

The Tale of the Priest and of His Workman Balda

A popular Soviet cartoon based on the classic fairy tale The Tale of the Priest and of his Workman Balda. The film is notable for its songs performed by one single actor Oleg Anfroiev using different voices.

Songs of the Years of Fire

An abstract color celebration of Soviet perseverance under fire (the literal firepower of foreign and capitalist warmongers), this lyrical animated short aims to capture Mother Russia's essence like lightning in a bottle. There's a spaghetti western vibe at times to the striking silhouette imagery here. Florid patriotic folk songs on the soundtrack are often depicted line-for-line in the gorgeous animation. - Dennis Harvey