Alexander Molochnikov Graduates Columbia Film School
Seagull True Story director thanks mentors Ramin Bahrani, Eric Mendelson and Bogdan Apetri
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Image: Instagram
On March 1, director Alexander Molochnikov took to Instagram to announce a major personal milestone: he has completed his MFA in film directing at Columbia University.
Thesis Complete: A Degree For Mom
Molochnikov shared a series of graduation photos, writing, “For you, mom. You really wanted it. Columbia is over. Magic wand is now mine.” In the snaps, he poses in cap and gown, clutching a ceremonial wand-like scepter—an apt symbol for his Master of Fine Arts achievement. He dedicated the accomplishment to his late mother and thanked classmates Mitch Camarda, Jean Chap and Cory Kinda for their support.
Mentors And Milestones
He also paid tribute to his thesis advisors: acclaimed filmmaker Ramin Bahrani, screenwriting professor Eric Mendelson and cinematographer Bogdan Apetri.
“Meeting amazing people: @raminbahrani, Eric Mendelson and Bogdan Apetri justified the journey!” he wrote, crediting their guidance for shaping his work. Bahrani is known for directing festival favorites like “Chop Shop,” while Mendelson and Apetri have both taught extensively at Columbia’s School of the Arts.
The Seagull Takes Flight
The graduation capstone caps off a busy season for Molochnikov, who earlier this spring premiered his meta-theatrical piece **Seagull: True Story** off-Broadway at La MaMa in New York.
In a November Instagram announcement, he revealed details of the contemporary adaptation:
“We’ve been working on this play for three years—since the war in Ukraine began, forcing me and many artists to leave my homeland, where I once created freely. With the war came censorship, and that is the heart of our meta-theatrical show,” he explained.
The production, written by Eli Rarey, ran from May 16 to June 1 and featured an international cast including Andrey Burkovskiy and Elan Zafir. Executive producer Sofia Kapkova and partners La MaMa, MART and En Garde Arts backed the project, which explores love, betrayal and the struggle for artistic expression in turbulent times.
Molochnikov’s 2023 post “Wuffffff. That’s the sound I want to make. Just so so so happy. The show is out! Come watching,” captured his excitement on opening night. His ability to balance academic rigor and professional creativity has drawn attention from industry insiders.
Now armed with a Columbia MFA and a growing directorial résumé, he’s poised to take on new film and theatre projects. Industry friends and faculty alike have lauded his drive; in the comments of his graduation post, Ramin Bahrani noted, “Well deserved.”
As he steps off the campus stage and into the next chapter, Molochnikov is already plotting future collaborations and festival entries. His final Instagram slide—a contemplative red-carpet shot—hints that the magic wand may have only just begun to work.
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