Born in 1933 in Stalingrad, he was a Soviet film director known for his intense and powerful storytelling. He studied at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography and gained recognition for films that often explored themes of war and human suffering. His most acclaimed work, "Come and See" (1985), is a harrowing depiction of Nazi atrocities in Belarus during WWII. His films are noted for their emotional depth and visual style. He was married to director Larisa Shepitko until her death in 1979.