Biography
Oksana Mikhailovna Karas (Russian: Оксана Михайловна Карас; born June 19, 1979, Kharkov) is a Ukrainian filmmaker, television director, screenwriter, and editor working in Russia. Previously, she was a television host and journalist. Karas is best known for the film "The Good Boy," which won the Grand Prix at the 27th Open Russian Film Festival "Kinotavr" in 2017.
Though born in the Ukrainian SSR, she spent her childhood in Aktau, Kazakhstan (formerly Shevchenko). In 2004, she graduated from the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) with a degree in law. In 2009, she completed her studies at VGIK under the mentorship of V. Ya. Lonsky. Since 1998, Karas has worked in television as a presenter, correspondent, sports commentator, film reviewer, and director of documentaries on channels such as NTV, NTV-Plus Sport, and VGTRK Kultura.
In 2008, she directed the TV series "Detective Brothers," and also wrote and directed the short film "Casting," which won the Grand Prix at the International Festival "Unprecedented Cinema" in Estonia. Her first feature film, "The Rehearsals," was released in 2013, with Karas also serving as a screenwriter. That same year, she directed the TV series "Missing Persons" and the film "Princess Muay Thai." In 2015, she wrote the screenplay for the comedy "Not a Wedding Trip."
In 2016, Karas directed, wrote, and edited "The Good Boy," which won the Grand Prix at the 27th Kinotavr, received the audience award organized by Kinopoisk at the festival, and earned third place in the audience competition "Vyborg Account" at the 24th Festival of Russian Cinema "Window to Europe," receiving the "Golden Rook" prize. She also worked as screenwriter and director on the short film "Just Like Grown Ups" and the TV series and film titled "Neophyte."
In 2018, she released the film "Ailing Angel," starring Semyon Treskunov. In June 2019, her film "High Above," which was shot in 2018, premiered. In 2020, her feature film "Doctor Liza," dedicated to the life of Elizabeth Glinka, competed in the main competition at Kinotavr.
