Mikhail Konstantinovich Kalatozov (28 December 1903 – 27 March 1973), born Mikheil Kalatozishvili, was a Soviet film director of Georgian origin who contributed to both Georgian and Russian cinema. He is most well known for his films The Cranes Are Flying and Soy Cuba. In 1969, he received the People's Artist of the USSR accolade. His film The Cranes Are Flying won the Palme d'Or at the 1958 Cannes Film