Russian Animation Day is observed worldwide every April 8, commemorating the screening of the first Russian animated film, "The Beautiful Leukanida," created by animator Ladislas Starevich in 1912. This holiday celebrates the origins of Russian animation, which began with Starevich's innovative use of stop-motion techniques involving insect puppets. The event marks the anniversary of the film's first screening and has been celebrated since 2012. The development of Russian animation saw significant contributions from pioneers in the mid-1920s and the establishment of the prominent Soyuzmultfilm studio in 1936, which produced beloved films such as "Hedgehog in the Fog" and "The Bremen Town Musicians." Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, independent studios emerged, leading to the creation of popular series like "Masha and the Bear" and "Kikoriki."