Aleksei Furmanov is a New York–based, award-winning Director with an MFA from the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, whose work blends tragicomedy, social satire, and psychological tension — exploring identity, performance, immigration, and the absurd systems people navigate to feel real. His directorial voice is rooted in over five years as a professional actor on Russia's leading stages, translating performance psychology into sharp, character-driven cinema.

He graduated from Feirstein with the Louis Obioha Award for Collaboration in Filmmaking, the program's honor for exceptional collaborative work. His tragicomedy The Entertainer won Outstanding Director at the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival and Best Student Director at the New York International Film Awards. From his thriller Prove You Are Human to his signature "laughter through tears" satires, his work bridges profound psychological drama and sharp comedy.