Born in 1963 in Kiev, and raised with his immediate and extended family in a communal flat

Left Kiev at age 14 for Western Europe, living in Vienna and Rome

Left Europe with mother and moved to Canada

Studied film at Ryerson University's prestigious School of Image Arts

Launched his own Toronto-based production house, called Canned Films

Established himself in Los Angeles as a director of television commercials and music videos

Directed first feature, the critically acclaimed "The House of Sand and Fog"

Helmed second feature, the independently financed, "The Life Before Her Eyes"