Bondarchuk Fedor Sergeevich is a famous Soviet and Russian actor, film director, producer, TV presenter and music video director. The military drama film “9th Company,” directed by Bondarchuk, at one time became one of the domestic film masterpieces. The film was awarded prestigious awards: “Nika”, “Golden Eagle” and “Golden Ram”. The director’s works such as “Stalingrad” and “Attraction” have also become legendary. Fedor continues to create new cash projects today.
Fedor Bondarchuk
Childhood and youth
The future film director was born in Moscow in 1967 on May 9. The boy was born into a creative family, and in the future followed in the footsteps of his famous father - Soviet director Sergei Bondarchuk, who created such film masterpieces as “They Fought for the Motherland”, “The Fate of a Man”, “War and Peace”. The last of these films was even awarded an Oscar. Fyodor’s mother was also known to all residents of the Soviet Union: Irina Skobtseva is a People’s Artist of Russia and was most remembered by the audience for her roles in the films of Georgy Danelia, Eldar Ryazanov and, of course, her husband, Sergei Bondarchuk.
Fyodor Bondarchuk in childhood and now
A busy work schedule did not allow Irina and Sergei to devote much time to their children. Little Fedya and his older sister Alena, who later also became a famous actress, grew up and were raised by their grandmother Yulia Nikolaevna.
As a schoolboy, Bondarchuk was not interested in studies, often acted as a hooligan, and also drank alcohol and smoked. Irina was very upset by her son’s pranks, because she dreamed that Fyodor would become a diplomat in the future. Grandmother Yulia Nikolaevna was calmer about her grandson’s behavior; in her dreams, she saw Fedor as a singer in the opera house.
The boy's childhood hobby was drawing. Bondarchuk even studied at an art school. While studying in the 8th grade, Fedor met Stepan Mikhalkov, the son of the famous director Nikita Mikhalkov . Since then, the teenagers began to share a strong friendship.
Fyodor Bondarchuk in his youth
After graduating from school, Fedor was going to enter MGIMO, but he changed his mind and submitted documents to VGIK. The guy managed to successfully pass the entrance exams and become a student of the directing and production department in the workshop of Igor Talankin. Many future figures of Russian cinema studied in the same course with Bondarchuk Jr.: Ivan Okhlobystin , Tigran Keosayan , Alexander Bashirov. According to the recollections of Fyodor himself, teachers and fellow students saw in him at first only the son of an eminent father. The young man constantly had to prove that he was professionally wealthy and talented.
When Fedor was a second-year student, he was drafted into the army. The future director had the opportunity to serve in Krasnoyarsk and in the Taman division. After serving, the young man returned to college. However, now he had to continue his studies in the workshop of Yuri Ozerov.
Fyodor Bondarchuk with his mother now
Bondarchuk Jr. graduated from VGIK in 1991 , but he was never awarded a diploma.
The fact is that the guy failed the subject “History of the CPSU”. Fedor was able to document his higher education only 18 years later.
Childhood
Fedor is the son of actress Irina Skobtseva and the famous director Sergei Bondarchuk. The future actor studied at the capital's 31st special school. He was an unusual schoolboy: the boy drank, smoked and studied very poorly. Fedya's dad was always on business trips, so only mom was called to school. She always had to listen to speeches about the pranks of her naughty son.
In the 8th grade, Fyodor Bondarchuk met the son of director Nikita Mikhalkov, Stepan. He was known as a bully and a terrible hooligan.
Grandmother Yulia Nikolaevna was involved in raising Fyodor and his sister Alena. The director recalls that she was kind and saw a future architect or opera singer in her grandson. Fedor drew well and graduated from art school. Mom wanted to raise her son to be a diplomat.
After school, Fyodor Bondarchuk entered VGIK, but he had to leave the army for two years. The future celebrity served in training in Krasnoyarsk, and then in the Taman division. There Fedor was a private in a cavalry regiment or, as he was also called, “thieves’ cavalry.” This regiment was created for the sake of battle filming in the film “War and Peace” by Sergei Bondarchuk and was located in the Moscow region. Filming ended, but the regiment was not dispersed, but was attached to the Taman division. Bondarchuk finished serving as a signalman.
On the set
Filmography
For the first time on screen, Bondarchuk Jr. could be seen in the dramatic film “Boris Godunov.” The director of the film was his father, Sergei. At that time, Fedor was only 15 years old. The guy played the role of the namesake Tsarevich.
Fyodor Bondarchuk with hair
As a student, Fedor starred in the film of his teacher Yu. Ozerov - “Stalingrad”. The film was released in 1990.
Often the young artist played roles in films directed by his friends and fellow students. Okhlobystin’s films “Demons” and “Arbiter”, as well as Keosayan’s “Sunny Beach”. After a five-year break from filming, Fedor returned to the screens, playing the role of Vlad in the film “Midlife Crisis.” This picture became Garik Sukachev’s as a director and was very positively received by the audience.
This was followed by filming in Eight and a Half Dollars, a comedy film, and Down House, a bold interpretation of 's The Idiot . The topical grotesque focus of Down House remains relevant today. And Prince Myshkin, performed by Fyodor Bondarchuk, also added bright colors to this picture.
In 2002, Bondarchuk became not only an actor, but also a producer of the film “On the Move.” Subsequently, the man began to combine his activities as a director, producer and actor in equal proportions.
Fedor Bondarchuk
The following films with the participation of Fedor were especially remembered by the audience: “State Councilor”, “1814”, “Admiral”, “Phobos. Fear Club”, “Moscow, I love you”. Fans of Bondarchuk's talent were also amused by the comedy project "Ghost", where Bondarchuk played the main role - a ghost whom only one boy sees.
In 1993, Fedor made his debut as a director of the film “I Love”. This is a benefit film of Lyudmila Gurchenko , the legendary Soviet actress.
This was followed by a long break that lasted 12 years. All this time, the director shot only commercials, videos and short films. In 2005, Bondarchuk triumphantly returned to the big screen with his military blockbuster “9th Company.” The film tells about the war in Afghanistan. And although critics had mixed reactions to this film, the film was an unprecedented success among viewers. The film became the highest-grossing film of 2005. “9th Company” was shown on screens in 17 countries and was also awarded with many awards. After the release of this film, Bondarchuk became known as a high-level director. Konstantin Kryukov , a popular Russian actor who is the nephew of Fyodor Bondarchuk, performed his debut film role in this project
Paulina Andreeva and Fyodor Bondarchuk in the series “Demon of the Revolution.”
The year 2006 brought the director the start of work on a film adaptation of the Strugatsky brothers’ fantastic story “Inhabited Island.” The filming took a long time, so the film premiered only in 2009. Fyodor also played one of the roles in the film: the antagonist Prosecutor in his performance was remembered by fans of this film.
In 2013, viewers were amazed by another film masterpiece of the director – the military drama “Stalingrad”. The film received many prestigious awards.
In 2021, Fedor’s new film “Attraction” was released. The plot of the film tells about a fantastic clash between people and aliens. The director moved the action of “Attraction” to Chertanovo, one of the Moscow districts. Thus, Bondarchuk wanted to draw public attention to the social implications of the picture, drawing a parallel with the clashes that often occur between representatives of different races and peoples. The most striking impression on the audience was made by the use of the modern IMAX format, which creates the full effect of personal presence in everything that happens on the screen when watching the film.
Fyodor Bondarchuk in the film "Ghost"
For the first time, the film was shown specifically for the residents of Chertanovo; this residential area of the capital is discussed in the film. The film was shown simultaneously in several halls. Bondarchuk admitted that the script for this project was rewritten about 60 times, and the final version was completed directly on the set.
The casting of actors for such a large-scale project lasted more than a year. The main role went to actress Irina Starshenbaum , whose performance amazed Fedor himself. An interesting fact is that at that time this artist was already involved in another film. Since the girl had to come from one set directly to another, a doctor was assigned to the actress to monitor her health. Irina Starshenbaum’s partner in the film was actor Alexander Petrov, who had to play even with a serious leg injury received during one of the takes. Moving on crutches did not prevent the artist from continuing to do his work. Fyodor Bondarchuk also believes that Oleg Menshikov’s participation in the film was a great success for the project.
Fyodor Bondarchuk on the set of his film
Fedor also proved himself to be a successful producer. The projects that were released under his leadership enjoyed incredible success. These include the following films: “HEAT”, “Duhless”, “August. Eighth."
Since 2013, Bondarchuk began producing high-rated TV series. The audience especially remembered “Survive After” and “Molodezhka”.
The film director also continues to play roles in television films. Thus, Fedor starred in the TV series “The Miracle Worker”, “Investigator Tikhonov” and “PiraMMMida”.
Fyodor Bondarchuk and Paulina Andreeva
Biography of Fyodor Bondarchuk
In 1987, he continued his studies at VGIK in the workshop of Yuri Ozerov. In 1991 he graduated from the directing department of VGIK.
Fyodor Bondarchuk made his film debut in Sergei Bondarchuk’s film “Boris Godunov” (1986) in the role of Tsarevich Dmitry.
While studying at VGIK, he starred in his teacher Yuri Ozerov’s film “Stalingrad” (1989).
One of the first notable works was the role of Prince Myshkin in the famous film by Roman Kachanov and Ivan Okhlobystin “Down House” (2001), the original film adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel “The Idiot”.
Fyodor Bondarchuk played leading roles in the films and TV series “Eight and a Half Dollars” (1999), “A Man’s Work” (2001) and “A Man’s Work-2” (2001), “About Love” (2010), “Two Days” ( 2011), “Lecturer” (2011), “Spy” (2012), “Warrior” (2015), “Ghost” (2015), etc. Starred in the films “Inside” (2004), “State Councilor” (2005) , “The Ninth Company” (2005), “Heat” (2006), “I Stay” (2007), “Admiral” (2008), “Inhabited Island” and “Inhabited Island. Fight" (2009), "The White Guard" (2012), "Soul of a Spy" (2014), etc.
Among his works in recent years are roles in the family film “Santa Claus. Battle of the Magicians" (2016), TV series "Investigator Tikhonov" (2016).
In total, Bondarchuk played more than 60 roles in films.
After graduating from VGIK, Fyodor Bondarchuk spent several years filming video clips for popular performers. He made his debut as a film director with the short film “I Love” (1993).
His next film, “The Ninth Company” (2005), about the war in Afghanistan, earned more than $25 million at the box office and was awarded major awards from national film academies.
In 2008-2009, Bondarchuk’s duology “Inhabited Island” and “Inhabited Island: Fight” based on the novel of the same name by the Strugatsky brothers were published.
The next film, “Stalingrad” (2013), became the first Russian film project to be shown in IMAX format; the film grossed more than $67 million at the global box office.
The rights to show Bondarchuk’s new film, the science-fiction blockbuster “Attraction” (2017), were sold to 74 countries around the world.
In 1991, Fyodor Bondarchuk, together with Stepan Mikhalkov, founded the Art Pictures Group company. In 2006, the company was reorganized into Art Pictures Studio, and television producer Dmitry Rudovsky became its co-founder together with Bondarchuk. Art Pictures Studio is engaged in film production, theatrical distribution, distribution of film and video products, production of music and advertising videos.
In 2009, Fyodor Bondarchuk participated in the creation of the distribution company Art Pictures Media, which is engaged in theatrical, television and DVD distribution of films from Art Pictures Studio, as well as films from independent Western studios.
In 2008, together with Konstantin Ernst Bondarchuk, he founded, whose priority tasks are: filming films of national importance, supporting young filmmakers, creating conditions for the growth of the film industry and attracting foreign projects to Russia.
In addition to his own films, Bondarchuk produced the films “On the Move” (2002), “Heat” (2006), “Phobos. Club of Fear" (2010), "Spiritless" (2012), "The Calculator" (2014), "Bartender" (2015), "Queen of Spades" (2016), "Good Boy" (2016), etc.
In 2013, he first acted as a television producer - the series “Molodezhka” and “Survive After” were released on the STS channel.
On television, Bondarchuk was the host of the TV game “The Armchair”, the show “You are a Supermodel!”, and the program “Cinema in Details”.
Since October 2012, Fyodor Bondarchuk has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors of OJSC Lenfilm Film Studio.
One of the initiators of the Kinoshiti project. Co-chairman of the board of trustees of the Open Russian Film Festival "Kinotavr".
Member of the Russian Academy of Cinematographic Arts "Nika", member of the National Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences of Russia "Golden Eagle".
Fyodor Bondarchuk is a co-owner of the Moscow restaurants “Vanil” and Bistrot. Owns the Paparazzi and Paparazzi-express restaurants, the Origami sushi bar and a pastry shop in Yekaterinburg.
Fyodor Bondarchuk ranks 39th in Forbes' Top Russian Celebrities of 2016 ranking with a net worth of $1.3 million.
Since 2005, Fyodor Bondarchuk has been a member of the governing public council of the Young Guard of United Russia. In April 2009, he joined the United Russia party. Since November 2009, he has been a member of the Supreme Council of the United Russia party.
Fyodor Bondarchuk has been awarded various prizes and awards. He is a laureate of the “Constellation” (2002), “TEFI” (2003), “Nika” (2005), “Golden Aries” (2006), “Golden Eagle” (2005, 2011, 2012, 2016) and other awards, awarded honorary award for his contribution to world cinema at the Golden Orange International Film Festival (2010).
In 2021, Bondarchuk became “Person of the Year” according to the Blockbuster professional award.
In 2021, he received the Russian Ministry of Defense Award in the field of culture and art in the category “Work of Audiovisual Arts.” Fyodor Bondarchuk was married to TV presenter Svetlana Bondarchuk, their marriage broke up after 25 years of marriage. Fyodor and Svetlana have two children - son Sergei and daughter Varvara.
The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources
Business projects
Only after finishing his studies at the university, Bondarchuk Jr., together with his friend Stepan Mikhalkov, decided to take up music video making. At that time, it was a poorly developed niche of Russian video production. So, young people organized, which was engaged not only in the creation of advertising videos and music videos, but also in organizing various events, concerts, exhibitions and festivals. Over ten years of work, Bondarchuk managed to direct videos for almost all the stars on the Russian stage.
Sergei Bezrukov, Anna Matison and Fyodor Bondarchuk on the set of the program “Cinema in Details”
Since 2002, she began to expand the scope of her activities: first, production, and then producing of domestic films brought considerable success, including financial success, to the company and its owners.
Fyodor Bondarchuk also became one of the founders of Glavkino. This is a large film and television concern that specializes in film production of national importance. The main objectives of Glavkino are: raising the level of Russian cinema to attract foreign investment, as well as creating favorable conditions for the development of the film industry in the Russian Federation.
In 2011 , Glavkino and the New York Film Academy established a special prize - a grant named after. S. Bondarchuk, which is intended for the most talented Russian filmmakers.
Fyodor Bondarchuk became one of the initiators of the launch of the national project “CINEMA CITY” , the essence of which is to increase the number of modern educational cinematography centers in all regions of the country.
Fyodor Bondarchuk at the “Person of the Year” award
Personal life
Fedor met his first wife, Svetlana Rudskaya, while still a student. Now Svetlana Bondarchuk is the editor-in-chief of HELLO! magazine. The woman also heads the PR-International company. In this marriage, the film director gave birth to two children: son Sergei in 1991 and daughter Varvara in 1999.
Fyodor Bondarchuk and Svetlana Bondarchuk
Now the son of the famous director and producer has already become a dad himself. Fyodor Bondarchuk's daughter-in-law Titiana gave birth to girls: Margarita (born in 2012) and Vera (born in 2014).
In March 2021, fans of the star family were upset by the news of the divorce of Fedor and Svetlana. The couple decided to separate after 25 years of marriage. Following this, information appeared about Fedor’s affair with the young actress Paulina Andreeva. In 2021, Bondarchuk and Andreeva confirmed their intention to become husband and wife.
Fyodor Bondarchuk with his daughter and wife
The filmmaker’s beloved was also approved by his mother, Irina Skobtseva . The legendary Soviet actress and widow of Sergei Bondarchuk is over 90 years old, but this does not prevent the lady from participating in social life and periodically attending events.
Fyodor Bondarchuk with his son
Fedor began actively filming Paulina in his projects. So, the girl played in the thriller “Sleepers,” directed by Yuri Bykov . Andreeva has already worked with Bykov on the set of the top-rated detective series “Method”.
Fyodor’s ex-wife Svetlana, meanwhile, is not discouraged: the woman pleases her subscribers on social networks with candid photographs and is trying to rebuild her personal life.
Bondarchuk himself also noticeably changed in appearance: the director became slimmer and younger. Fyodor Sergeevich became interested in proper nutrition and sports. The director also goes in for swimming, loves to ride horses and go hunting.
Fyodor Bondarchuk with granddaughters, Natalya Ionova, Paulina Andreeva
Students
After the army, Fedor decided to enter MGIMO. He probably would have done so, but his father took him to VGIK, having previously filmed his unlucky son in the film “Boris Godunov”.
“My father was strict with me. But he was and will remain an unshakable authority for me. It was a responsibility. When I returned from filming, you could say the sweat was squeezed out of me. The role was difficult for me,” says Fedor.
As a result, Fedor entered the directing and production department, Ozerov’s workshop. At the university, he constantly had to prove his creative worth. Bondarchuk, naturally, because of his famous surname, was under close attention. Especially in 1986, when at the fifth congress of filmmakers his father was sharply criticized. At Fedor's institute, events were actively discussed. And it was impossible to wait for flattering attention from fellow students. Fedor did everything possible to show that he himself was worth something. It is worth noting that Bondarchuk Jr. had many complexes; teachers helped him open up.
With his wife Svetlana, Fyodor Bondarchuk’s course at the institute was called “stellar”. Ivan Okhlobystin, Alexander Bashirov, Mikhail Mukasey, Sergei Kozlov studied here. And Renata Litvinova studied on a parallel course. Now they make up modern Russian cinema.
Bondarchuk graduated from VGIK in 1991. Warm relations have been maintained with fellow students, which are still maintained today.
