Pavel Lungin

Pavel Semyonovich Lungin (; born 12 July 1949) is a Russian film director. He is sometimes credited as Pavel Loungine (as in the American release of Tycoon). Lungin was awarded the distinction People's Artist of Russia in 2008. Life and career Born on 12 July 1949 in Moscow, Lungin is the son of the scriptwriter and linguist Lilianna Lungina. He later attended Moscow State University at the Mathematics and Applied Linguistics of the Philological Faculty, from which he graduated in 1971. In 1980 he completed the High Courses for Scriptwriters and Film Directors (Mikhail Lvovsky's Workshop). Lungin worked primarily as a scriptwriter until given the opportunity to direct Taxi Blues at age 40. The film starred well-known musician Pyotr Mamonov. For the film he received the Best Director Prize at 1990 Cannes Film Festival. That same year he took up residence in France, while making films in and about Russia with French producers. Two years later, his next film Luna Park would also compete at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival. In 1993 he was a member of the jury at the 18th Moscow International Film Festival.