Yuri Tsapayev was born in Simferopol, Crimea, amidst a world of music, theatre, and films, which ultimately groomed him for a life in the arts. He received his musical foundation at the Simferopol School of Music, before graduating with a Master's Degree in Science from the State University of St. Petersburg.
During his time at the university, Yuri began experimenting with filmmaking using an 8mm camera, developing a taste for darkly comic stories and brooding, often surreal imagery. This early start in film laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.
Following Russia's Perestroika period, Yuri established fine art galleries in Novgorod, Tver, and Moscow. He also published a newspaper, "Artodox," dedicated to arts and culture, and co-founded a movie production company, "Beliy Svet," with his friends in Tver, which has since become a successful film studio.
In 2001, Yuri relocated to San Francisco to pursue a career as an art dealer, traveling extensively throughout the United States to exhibit his collection of contemporary Russian art. Despite his focus on art, Yuri remained committed to his musical roots, composing and recording three albums under the name "IndieKnight."
Yuri's transition to filmmaking was marked by the critically acclaimed short film "Tick Knock," which won 3rd place in the 72 Hour International Film Challenge and was officially selected for the Barcelona and Chicago short film festivals in 2009.
Driven by his passion for filmmaking, Yuri continued to hone his skills, earning a reputation for his stylish visuals that complemented complex story lines. In 2009, he produced the feature film "Contractor's Routine," which required him to pursue licensure as a general contractor to manufacture necessary props within his budgetary constraints.
Currently, Yuri is working as director on Paralux Productions' next psychological drama, "When the War Just Ended," slated for production in late 2014.
