Shukshin (July 25, 1929-October 2, 1974) was prose writer of rare psychological insight, and top-notch movie actor and director.
Srostki hosted a commemorative film festival yesterday. Today, a Shukshin monument will be unveiled. Mikhail Shvydkoi, president of the Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography, describes sculptor Vyacheslav Klykov's endeavor as a "very good statue".
"Vasily Shukshin was truly from the midst of the people. His literary and cinematic works present Russia's tragic destiny as reflected in his heroes' life-be they peasants or intellectuals.
"Shukshin depicted Russia the way it really is, now mighty, now pathetic, and always full of beauty. His mind penetrated to the grassroots and into psychological depths. That is why people of all ages and from all walks of life, in town and the countryside, love him so.
"Whatever he was doing in the book and movie world rested on his profound belief in Russians' gifts and stamina," Shvydkoi, recent Culture Minister, and celebrated television anchor for many years, said to Novosti.
