Mikhail Kalatozov

The Profile

Soviet film director (1903–1973) known for visually ambitious films such as The Cranes Are Flying and I Am Cuba (Soy Cuba).

Won the Palme d'Or in 1958 for The Cranes Are Flying. I Am Cuba (Soy Cuba) was later rediscovered and championed by filmmakers including Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.

One enthusiastic DeBaser review praises Kalatozov's Soy Cuba for its poetic, political and technical power. The review highlights extraordinary tracking shots and bold episode structure. Recommended for cinephiles and those with a solid cinematic culture.