Hailed by the international press as a Russian genius, the multi-award winning director-writer Vladimir Alenikov began his artistic career in the Soviet era of communism. Having been denied entrance to the official film schools of Russia because of his Jewish heritage, Alenikov turned to making films underground. But the cult following that developed could not be denied, and Vladimir persevered.

Alenikov's first widespread success came through a series of children's films featuring his creations - the characters "Petrov and Vasechkin", becoming Russian national treasures. Turning to the stage, in 1985, Alenikov wrote, produced and directed the first Soviet-American stage musical entitled "Peace Child," performed in the United States and 32 other countries around the world.

In 1990 Alenikov completed "The Drayman and the King," a film based on the work of Isaac Babel in the vein of "Fiddler on the Roof," and ultimately, the most successful Russian musical. The film garnered several prizes in Russia and was an official selection at the Toronto International Film Festival and the American Film Institute (AFI) Festival in Los Angeles, among others.

In August 1991, Alenikov found himself in the midst of the Russian coup attempt which sought to end the democratic movement of Gorbachev and Yeltsin. Taking to the streets in protest and resisting the coup with a video camera alongside tanks, barricades, and the people of the streets of Moscow, Alenikov captured the resistance to the coup in his documentary "The Awakening," which was distributed internationally.

Alenikov continues to be invited to participate in major films festivals throughout the world. Alenikov's "Time of Darkness" (aka "The Clearing"), starring George Segal, appeared at a number of international film festivals and was sold all over the world. "The Red One: Triumph" was an official selection at the Toronto International Film Festival and Lisbon International Film Festival in 2000, Oulu International Film Festival (Finland), Jiffoni International Film Festival (Italy), and was nominated for Golden Precolumbian Circle at Bogota International Film Festival (Columbia).

His last American directorial work, "The Gun (from 6 to 7:30 pm)", was produced by Front Line Films. "The Gun" was an official selection for the World Competition at the Montreal World Film Festival (and the only American entry). The film also appeared in the Quebec International Film Festival; Belgrade International Film Festival of the Auteur Films (received Diploma for an Outstanding Film); Tiburon International Film Festival (received Best Cinematography); International Film Festival du film de Strasbourg (received Jury Prize, Best Editing); Honolulu International Film Festival; Moscow International Film Festival; Saint-Petersburg International Festival of Festivals (World Competition); Raindance London International Film Festival, 2004; Vienna Ohne Kohle International Film Festival, 2005.

His most recent directorial work, a romantic comedy "The God's Smile or Odessa Story" was produced in Russia by Pictures Forever and Ever which he also wrote and produced. "The God's Smile" already won the biggest awards on the Russian National Film Festivals: "The Big Golden Boat" at the Russian XVI National Film Festival "Window to Europe" in Vyborg, 2008; "Special Prize For Keeping And Increasing The Best Traditions Of Russian Cinema - to the director Vladimir Alenikov" at the VI Russian Open Film Festival "Amur's Fall" in Blagoveschensk, 2008; "Prize For The Best Cast" and "Prize For The Best Score" at the IX Russian National Open Film Festival of Comedy Films "Smile, Russia!" in Moscow, 2008; "Special Prize For The Ironical Look At The Past" and "Prize For The Best Male Part" to the actor Ivan Jidkov at the XV Russian National Film Festival "The Literature And The Cinema" in Gatchina, 2009. It also was officially selected by the VI Syracuse International Film Festival, NY, 2009 , Russian National Tver Film Festival "All Stars" and Moscow International Film Festival, 2009.

During last decade Mr. Alenikov works successfully as a writer, publishing novels and children stories. In 2007 he became a member of International Pen-Club.
Right now Vladimir Alenikov is in post-production of his innovative and touching upcoming drama "The Princess' War" which he also wrote and produced, kind of contemporary version of Romeo and Juliet" , which takes place in a small town near Moscow. Director shot it with kids from 8 to 12 years old.