Renowned film director Alexander Mitta passed away on July 14 at the age of 92. Known for his ability to elevate box office hits to the level of great art, Mitta was considered a true audience director and the last romantic of a bygone era of great cinema.

Born Alexander Rabinovich in Moscow in 1933, Mitta’s early life was marked by hardship during the Stalinist repressions. His mother was arrested on charges of “anti-Soviet statements” when he was only three years old, spending ten years in prison and settlements. The director recalled that the real reason was because his mother publicly shamed a NKVD officer. During this time, Mitta spent two years in an orphanage, later reflecting that he perceived hunger as something normal.

Despite initially pursuing architecture, Mitta found his true calling in cinema. After working in humor magazines and changing his last name from Rabinovich to Mitta, he studied directing at VGIK. He directed several successful films, including “They’re Calling, Open the Door,” “Crew,” “Burn, Burn, My Star,” and “Tale of Wanderings.”

Mitta married Lilia Mayorova, an artist, after pursuing her while she was married. They had a son, Evgeny, who also became an artist.

In his later years, Mitta expressed regret over not having more children. He cherished his role as a grandfather, finding immense joy in the love and affection of his grandchildren.