Aleksandr Askoldov is a Russian film director and screenwriter, best known for his work in the Soviet cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. His most notable film, The Commissar, released in 1967, explores themes of war, motherhood, and the human condition. The film faced censorship and was not released until 1988, highlighting the challenges filmmakers faced in the Soviet Union. Askoldov's career was significantly impacted by the political climate of his time. After the controversy surrounding The Commissar, he struggled to find opportunities in the film industry. Despite this, his work remains influential and is studied for its artistic and historical significance.