Skip to content

At 84, Legendary Animator Yuri Norstein Still Shovels Snow for His Community

A snow shovel in hand, a lifetime of wisdom in his words. Why this 84-year-old artist still believes in rolling up his sleeves for the greater good.

The image shows a black and white photo of people shoveling snow in front of a building with...
The image shows a black and white photo of people shoveling snow in front of a building with windows, surrounded by vehicles, poles, trees, and a sky in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is text.

At 84, Legendary Animator Yuri Norstein Still Shovels Snow for His Community

At 84, legendary animator Yuri Norstein has again been spotted helping clear snow from Moscow’s sidewalks. Known for directing classics like Hedgehog in the Fog, he joined neighbours in shovelling snow after heavy winter weather. A photo of his efforts was later shared in his apartment building’s chat group.

Norstein is no stranger to this kind of work. He has helped with snow clearance in past winters, viewing it as a natural part of community life. This time, he spoke openly about his belief that citizens should step in when municipal services fall short.

He described the act as a simple joy and a normal human response. Yet he also criticised a growing trend where people avoid tasks that benefit the wider public. For him, contributing to shared spaces is not just practical but necessary.

His long-time collaborator, artist Francesca Yarbusova, has worked with him on films like Tale of Tales. Neither has any background in law or prosecution—their careers have always centred on animation.

Norstein’s actions have drawn attention once more, not just for his fame but for his consistent stance on civic duty. The photo shared by neighbours serves as a reminder of his long-held belief: when the city struggles, residents should lend a hand. His approach remains unchanged after decades in the public eye.

Read also:

Latest