Russian author and director, born September 5, 1964, in Baranovichi and raised in Kiev. He graduated from Kiev Polytechnic after specializing in applied sports, and worked as a scientist at the Kiev Institute for the Study of Artificial Intelligence Research. After which he studied filmmaking in Moscow, and was known for his documentaries and dramas. Since 1996, he has directed several documentaries, and won several international awards. In addition to the two Nika Russian National Film Awards for "Blokada" and the Cannes Film Festival award for "V tumane". His most important works are: State Funeral in 2019, Donbass in 2018, A Gentle Creature in 2017 and My Joy in 2010.