Yuri Kara is a Russian film director, screenwriter, and producer. He graduated from the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) in 1987, studying under Sergei Gerasimov and Tamara Makarova. Kara gained recognition with his debut film Tomorrow Was the War (1987), based on Boris Vasilyev's story, which was sold in 48 countries. He is also known for Thieves within the Law (1988) and The Feasts of Belshazzar, or a Night with Stalin (1990). Kara's work often explores historical and social themes within Russian society.