Giorgi (Ghia) Danelia was born on August 25, 1930 in Tbilisi. In 1955, he graduated from Moscow Architecture Institute. In 1958, he finished directing course at the Mosfilm Studio under Gregor Roshal. From 1959, he worked at the Mosfilm Studio. From 1987, he directed film studio Rhythm at the Mosfilm. He was awarded honorary title of People's Artist of the RSFSR in 1974 and People's Artist of the USSR in 1989. He is also a recipient of USSR State Prize (1978), Vasilyev Brothers State Prize of the RSFSR (1981), State Prize of the Russian Federation in the field of cinema (1996), Russian President's Award for his contribution to cinema (1999) and numerous other prizes and awards. Giorgi Danelia died on April 4, 2019 in Moscow.