Andrei Konchalovsky

Andrei Sergeyevich Konchalovsky (born Andrei Sergeyevich Mikhalkov on 20 August 1937 in Moscow, then part of the Soviet Union) comes from the illustrious Mikhalkov family, whose roots trace back to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. His father, Sergey Mikhalkov, authored the lyrics of the Soviet and Russian national anthems, and his brother Nikita Mikhalkov is a celebrated filmmaker. After a decade of piano studies at the Moscow Conservatory, Konchalovsky turned to cinema, meeting Andrei Tarkovsky in 1960 and co‑writing the seminal films Ivan’s Childhood and Andrei Rublev. His directorial debut, The First Teacher (1964), earned international festival attention, while Asya Klyachina’s Story (1967) was suppressed by Soviet censors before gaining acclaim upon its release two decades later. Subsequent adaptations of Russian literary classics such as Uncle Vanya (1970) and the epic Siberiade (1979) cemented his reputation, the latter winning the Grand Prix at Cannes and prompting his move to the United States in 1980. In Hollywood Konchalovsky demonstrated versatility, directing the intense thriller Runaway Train (1985), the romantic drama Maria’s Lovers (1984), and the high‑octane action film Tango & Cash (1989). He returned to Russia in the 1990s, creating celebrated works like House of Fools (2003), which won a Silver Lion at Venice, and the visually striking The Nutcracker in 3D (2010). Recent masterpieces include Paradise (2016) and Dear Comrades! (2020), both earning Silver Lions and solidifying his status as a cinematic auteur. His honors span the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland”, France’s Legion of Honour, and Italy’s Order of Merit. Politically, Konchalovsky’s positions have shifted, from supporting Pussy Riot in 2012 to endorsing Russian actions in Ukraine, leading to sanctions by Kyiv in 2023. He has been married five times—to Irina Kandat, Natalya Arinbasarova, Viviane Gaudet, Irina Martynova, and Julia Vysotskaya—and is father to seven children, including director Egor Konchalovsky. His enduring influence bridges Soviet, American, and contemporary Russian cinema, making him a pivotal figure in global film history.