Entertainment · Film · 2 hrs ago
Soviet animation writer Zhanna Vitenzon dies
Soviet animation writer Zhanna Vitenzon has died, the Russian Cinematographers’ Union said on October 29.
She was known for writing The Mitten and The Little Boat, two Soviet cartoons.
Accounts give her age as either 96 or 97.
Vitenzon was born in Vitebsk in 1929 and later moved with her family to Moscow.
She wrote scripts for several Soviet animation studios and worked with directors including Roman Kachanov.
Her work helped shape Soviet animation, and “The Mitten” won awards at festivals in Annecy, Moscow and Gijón.
Vitenzon received Russia’s Ikar animation award in the “Master” category in 2018; no funeral details were announced.
Soviet animation screenwriter and children’s writer Zhanna Vitenzon died on October 29, 2026, the Russian Cinematographers’ Union said.
She was known for writing the animated films “The Mitten” and “Little Boat.”
The Union said she died in her 97th year; one report gave her age as 96, while another said she was 97.
RIA Novosti, citing people close to Vitenzon, reported that she died after a long illness.
The Union and the Screenwriters’ Guild expressed condolences to her family and friends.
- Who
- Zhanna Vitenzon, a Soviet animation screenwriter and children’s writer.
- What
- She died, the Russian Cinematographers’ Union said.
- When
- October 29, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- RIA Novosti, citing people close to her, reported that she died after a long illness.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Vitenzon was born in Vitebsk.
Her family moved to Moscow.
She graduated from the philology faculty of Moscow State University.
The Russian Cinematographers’ Union announced Vitenzon’s death.
- Birthplace
- Vitebsk
- Birth date
- April 26, 1929
- Known films
- The Mitten” (1967); “Little Boat” (1970)
- Award
- Icarus national animation award, “Master” category, 2018
- Reported cause of death
- Long illness, according to RIA Novosti citing people close to her
3 sources
What people are saying
On October 29, 2026, in her 97th year, our friend and colleague, member of the Russian Cinematographers’ Union, Soviet animation screenwriter and children’s writer Zhanna Ziskindovna Vitenzon (1929–2026) passed away