Mikhail Kalatozov

Director, Producer, Writer, Actor

December 28, 1903 — March 27, 1973 (69 years)
Mikhail Kalatozov (28 December 1903 – 27 March 1973; born Mikheil Kalatozishvili) was a Soviet film director of Georgian origin who contributed to both Georgian and Russian cinema film director best known for his films The Cranes Are Flying (1957) and Soy Cuba (1964). The former won the Palme d'Or at the 1958 Cannes Film Festival. In 1969, he received the People's Artist of the USSR accolade.

Kalatozov studied economics and changed many professions before starting his career as an actor and later — as a cinematographer. He directed several documentaries, including Their Kingdom (1928, with Nutsa Gogoberidze, the first Georgian female director) and Salt for Svanetia (1930).

In 1933, Kalatozov enrolled to the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts. Three years later, he oversaw Kartuli Pilmi, then he was suggested a place at the USSR State Committee for Cinematography. In 1939, he moved to Leningrad to work at Lenfilm as a director. During World War II, he made several propaganda films and worked as a cultural attaché at the Soviet embassy in the United States.

Known For

  • The Cranes Are Flying
    The Cranes Are Flying1957
  • I Am Cuba
    I Am Cuba1964
  • Letter Never Sent
    Letter Never Sent1960
  • Salt for Svanetia
    Salt for Svanetia1930
  • True Friends
    True Friends1954
  • The Nail in the Boot
    The Nail in the Boot1931
  • Wings of Victory
    Wings of Victory1941
  • Conspiracy of the Doomed
    Conspiracy of the Doomed1950
  • Courage
    Courage1939
  • Giuli
    Giuli1927
  • The Invincible
    The Invincible1943

Filmography

1969
The Red Tent · as Screenplay
1943
Nepobedimye · as Screenplay
1930
1928
1927
Giuli · as Screenplay

1930
Salt for Svanetia · as Director Of Photography
1928
Boshuri siskhli · as Director Of Photography
1927
Giuli · as Cinematographer