After finishing school he worked as a photographer. His first work in cinema was even called "The Photographer" (1997). This short film immediately received recognition at international film festivals. In 1997 he completed Andrzej Wajda's course in Krakow. In 2000 he graduated from VGIK, Vladimir Khotinenko's workshop. His next work was another short film "The Scarecrow" (2000), made with the participation of the STV Film Company. He heads a directing workshop at VGIK.