Ivan Ivanov-Vano 1900 – 1987

Biography

Ivan Ivanov-Vano was born on February 8, 1900, in Moscow, where he would spend his entire life creating animated works that shaped Soviet cinema. As a director and screenwriter, he became a pioneering figure in animation during an era when the art form was still finding its voice in the Soviet Union. His career spanned nearly a century, allowing him to witness and contribute to the evolution of animated storytelling from its earliest days through the mid-twentieth century.

Throughout his long professional life, Ivanov-Vano dedicated himself to both directing and writing, crafting narratives that reflected the spirit of his time and country. His work in animation demonstrated the artistic possibilities of the medium and helped establish a distinctive Soviet approach to animated film. Based in Moscow throughout his career, he remained deeply connected to the city’s creative community and cultural institutions.

Ivan Ivanov-Vano passed away on March 25, 1987, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy spanning decades of innovative work in Soviet animation. He was laid to rest at Novodevichy Cemetery in the Khamovniki District, a final resting place befitting his contributions to Russian culture and cinema.