Evgeny Afineevsky is an Oscar- and Emmy-nominated director. He recently released his headline-breaking documentary, Francesco — a journey alongside Pope Francis on his inspirational on-going mission in these dark days for humanity, to unite the people of the world through acts of love and kindness, going beyond religious barriers. This film earned Afineevsky a 2020 Catholics in Media Associates Social Justice Award and the Kineo Award at the Rome International Film Festival.  His award-winning documentary, Cries from Syria, was a 2017 Sundance Film Festival official selection. The film was also recognized with a Critics’ Choice Documentary Award (Best Director) and nomination (Best Documentary), two IPA Satellite Award nominations, four Emmy nominations, a PGA Award nomination, and the International Documentary Association’s Courage Under Fire Award. Afineevsky built his filmmaking career on providing a first-hand account of conflict, even if it means putting his own life in danger. He earned 2016 Oscar and Emmy nominations for Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom, which details the 2013 student uprising that transformed into a violent revolution. Winter on Fire was an Official Selection at the Venice and Telluride International Film Festivals and TIFF People’s Choice Award for Best Documentary winner.  He wrote and directed the 2009 family comedy Oyvey! My Song is Gay, for which he won more than 23 international film awards. From 1994-2000, he produced more than 30 musicals in Israel, where he also directed the TV series Days of Love.  Afineevsky’s documentary work dates back to his life in Russia as a teenager, where he won First Prize for Best Documentary at the Black Sea International Film Festival. He’s since continued to demonstrate a commitment documenting important stories of change, but he also has worked in a wide spectrum of genres.