Elem Klimov (1933, Volgograd - 2003, Moscow) originally studied aeronautic engineering. From journalism he moved to film direction, graduating from Moscow's Film School (VGIK) in 1964. That same year he debuted with the satirical comedy Welcome (Dobro pozhalovat ili Postoronnim vkhod vospreshchen), continuing with the same genre in the film Adventures of a Dentist (Pochozhdyenia zubnogo vracha, 1965). Despite popularity with audiences, he decided to turn his attention to historical themes. He had considerable difficulties with the censors during the making of Agony (Agoniya, 1974-81). After the tragic death of his wife, the director Larisa Shepitko, he finished her ecological project Farewell (Proshchaniye, 1982). Unexpectedly, Klimov's last film was to be the war drama Come and See (Idi i smotri, 1985). He headed the Soviet Filmmakers' Union from 1986, but resigned from this post after two years. He was considering an adaptation of Dostoyevsky´s The Possessed and Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita, but this costly project collapsed for lack of funding.
MFF Karlovy Vary
