The message reads, in part:
“Vasily Shukshin was a man of potent and generous talent and charm. He had a vivid, flamboyant and multi-faceted personality, was a true person of natural gifts.
He sincerely loved Russia and the Altai Territory, which became a boundless source of inspiration for him. It is very important that Shukshin Days in Altai National Festival is held annually in Vasily Shukshin’s home region in his memory.
Over the years, the festival has evolved into a major celebration of creativity, bringing together on the hospitable Altai soil prominent writers, musicians, actors, directors and of course people from Vasily Shukshin’s home region and village. The festival is now a cultural landmark in the region and in Russia in general.
I have no doubt that this year’s festival will be a success and will be remembered for its substantial and packed agenda, hearty and informal encounters and amicable atmosphere, contributing to preserving and perpetuating Vasily Shukshin’s unique creative legacy, especially among young people.”
Vasily Shukshin (1929–1974) was a Soviet film director, actor, screenwriter and writer.