Alexei Viktorovich Ivanov, a celebrated Russian literary figure, entered the world on November 23, 1969, in Gorky, a city that would later undergo a name change to Nizhny Novgorod. Born into a family with a strong background in shipbuilding engineering, Ivanov's early life was marked by a significant relocation in 1971, when his family packed up and moved to Perm, a city where he would spend the majority of his formative years, shaping the foundation of his future endeavors.
Ivanov's academic journey commenced in 1987 when he enrolled as a journalism student at Ural State University, albeit his tenure was brief, lasting only one year. Subsequently, he made a return to the same institution in 1990, this time opting to pursue a degree in the interdisciplinary field of art and culturology, a decision that would ultimately lead to his academic accomplishment in 1996.
Ivanov's writing trajectory began to crystallize in 1990, when his remarkable tale, "Hunt for the Great Bear," made its debut in the esteemed magazine Uralsky sledopyt.
Ivanov's foray into the realm of tourism, specifically as a guide, unexpectedly kindled a profound fascination with the rich tapestry of local history, a thread that would eventually weave its way into the very fabric of his literary endeavors. This nascent curiosity, nurtured by his experiences, would ultimately blossom into a masterpiece, his breakthrough novel "Serdtse Parmy" (The heart of Parma),published in the year 2003, and subsequently catapult him to widespread acclaim.
Ivanov has garnered a multitude of prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to his field, with notable recognitions including the esteemed Mamin-Sibiryak Prize in the year 2003, a trifecta of accolades in 2004 comprising the Eureka, Start, and Bazhov prizes, and a dual distinction in 2006 with the Book of the Year and Portal prizes. Additionally, he has been nominated for the coveted National Bestseller prize on three separate occasions.
Ivanov's name was brought to the forefront of public attention in the year 2010, as a result of his vocal criticism of the cultural revolution being spearheaded by a team from Moscow in the city of Perm.
Ivanov's remarkable literary career has transcended the boundaries of the written word, as his works have been transformed into visually stunning films that have garnered widespread critical acclaim. One such example is the 2009 cinematic masterpiece "Tsar," which Ivanov himself penned, and went on to win the prestigious Un Certain Regard award at the renowned Cannes Film Festival.
Moreover, his 2003 novel "The Geographer Drank His Globe Away" was adapted into a movie in 2013, and this cinematic rendition received a multitude of accolades, including the coveted Best Film award at Russia's primary cinematic honor, the Nika Award.
