Georgiy Daneliya (1930-2019) was one of the most beloved and influential directors and screenwriters in Soviet and Russian cinema, born in Tbilisi, Georgia. He is considered the undisputed master of the "sad comedy" genre, blending sharp social satire with deep melancholy and sincere affection for his imperfect characters. His career defined different eras: he captured the optimism of the Khrushchev Thaw with the lyrical Walking the Streets of Moscow (1964), explored the mid-life crisis in the masterpiece Autumn Marathon (1979), and achieved cult status with the absurd and prophetic sci-fi satire Kin-dza-dza! (1986). Recognized as a People's Artist of the USSR, his work remains a benchmark for its ability to analyze the human soul within the contradictions of the Soviet system.