Michael Arnoldovich Lockshin, a multifaceted film director and writer with Russian-American roots, made his entrance into the world in 1981 within the United States' borders.
Throughout his formative years, Lockshin was fortunate enough to experience the diverse cultural influences of both the US and Russia, ultimately leading to a unique blend of perspectives that would later shape his artistic endeavors.
Following the completion of his academic pursuits, Lockshin made the bold decision to relocate to London, a city steeped in history and artistic expression.
In a testament to his intellectual curiosity and dedication to his craft, Lockshin went on to earn a Master's degree in Psychology from Moscow State University, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the world.
Michael Lockshin's life story is marked by a rich and intricate family history, with roots tracing back to his father, Arnold Lockshin, a renowned American scientist. Born into a complex family dynamic, Michael's early years were shaped by a significant life change when his family relocated to the USSR at the tender age of five.
This pivotal move would have a lasting impact on Michael's life, as he would go on to develop a unique cultural identity shaped by his experiences in the former Soviet Union. Interestingly, despite his family's history in the region, Michael Lockshin is not a Russian citizen, a fact that highlights the complexities of his family's background.
On his father's side, Michael is descended from a lineage of Jewish individuals who fled Ukraine in the face of rising antisemitism, a painful chapter in the region's history. This ancestral heritage would undoubtedly have played a significant role in shaping Michael's perspective and worldview, as he navigates the complexities of his own identity.
Lockshin's creative journey commenced during his collegiate years, where he initially ventured into directing a diverse array of commercials and music videos. Subsequently, he spent over a decade honing his craft in commercial directing, garnering a plethora of prestigious awards and accolades, including the esteemed Cannes Lions Young Director's Awards, as well as the Golden Drum.
One of his most remarkable and widely recognized advertisements, featuring the talented David Duchovny, achieved unprecedented viral success on an international scale in the year 2014, leaving a lasting impression on the advertising world.
Lockshin's inaugural feature film, Silver Skates, made its theatrical debut in Russia in 2020, garnering widespread critical acclaim. This milestone marked a significant achievement, as Silver Skates became the first Russian-language Netflix Originals film to be released. Furthermore, it premiered as the Opening Film of the esteemed Moscow International Film Festival.
The film's outstanding performance earned it a record-breaking 12 nominations at the 20th Golden Eagle Awards, a feat that has yet to be surpassed in the history of the Golden Eagle Awards. Among these nominations, Silver Skates emerged victorious, claiming six awards, including the prestigious "Best Picture" honor. Additionally, Lockshin himself was recognized for his exceptional direction, earning a nomination for Best Director.
Notable accolades were bestowed upon the film, as it emerged victorious in the "Best Picture" category at the prestigious Association of Producers awards (APKIT),a testament to its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Furthermore, the film garnered multiple awards at the Nika Awards in 2021, a significant recognition of its artistic merit. Notably, Lockshin, the film's creative force, was nominated for the coveted "Discovery of the Year" award, a nod to his innovative approach and remarkable talent.
Lockshin's second feature film, a cinematic adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov's cult novel "The Master and Margarita", boasts an impressive cast, featuring the talented German actor August Diehl. The film's production was a labor of love, with principal photography commencing in 2021. However, the release date was repeatedly delayed, and the film finally premiered in January 2024, much to the anticipation and excitement of fans and critics alike.
