Born in 1965 in Duchambe, capital of Tajikistan. In 1984, he moved to Moscow where he studied direction at the prestigious VGIK school. He directed some short films such as Jokers (1986) and Believe It or Not (1989). His first feature was Bratan (1991). Kosh ba Kosh (1993) was awarded a Silver Lion Award in Venice. He also directed the feature films Moon Father (1999, 24ª Mostra), Shik (2003) e Tanker `Tango` (2006).