Mark Tchelistcheff – Biography, Career, and Legacy of André Tchelistcheff’s Grand-Nephew
Mark Tchelistcheff — Award-Winning Filmmaker Bridging Heritage and Cinema. Mark Tchelistcheff is an acclaimed director, cinematographer, and producer whose work has garnered international recognition. Best known for his award-winning documentary “André: The Voice of Wine”, Mark blends a distinguished cultural heritage with a global creative vision. A grand-nephew of the legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, he carries forward a legacy of artistry and excellence.
Early Life and Heritage
Born into a distinguished Russian-German aristocratic family, Mark grew up with a deep appreciation for culture and history. His great-uncle, André Victorovich Tchelistcheff, is celebrated as the “Dean of American Winemakers,” a figure who profoundly shaped the California wine industry for decades.
Mark’s childhood was truly international — he lived in Pakistan, Israel, Indonesia, Thailand, and the United States. This early exposure to diverse cultures shaped his worldview and laid the foundation for his future storytelling.
Education and Formative Years
Mark studied law, philosophy, history, and film in Germany and California. His academic path was complemented by extensive travels to Japan, India, Nepal, and Tibet, experiences that expanded his cultural understanding and deepened his passion for art, history, and narrative craft.
Film Career and Open Films
Mark is the founder of Open Films, an international production company specializing in feature and documentary films, television, and commercial projects.
Notable Works:
• “Conversations with Other Women” (2005) — Feature film starring Helena Bonham Carter, winner of Best Actress at the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Evening Standard British Film Awards.
• “A Song for the Soul” — Music documentary series for Tokyo Broadcasting System featuring Roberta Flack, Ray Charles, The Doobie Brothers, and The Band.
• “André: The Voice of Wine” — A decade-long documentary project chronicling the extraordinary life of André Tchelistcheff.
His films have screened at prestigious festivals worldwide, including the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), Tokyo International Film Festival, and the Telluride Film Festival.
“André: The Voice of Wine” – Preserving a Legacy
This acclaimed documentary is both a cinematic tribute and a deeply personal project. Filmed over ten years across France, Italy, the United States, and Russia (including Crimea), the film traces André Tchelistcheff’s journey from Russia to becoming one of the most influential figures in American winemaking.
The world premiere took place at Berlinale in 2017, followed by screenings in the U.S. and Russia as part of the Amfest film festival. Additional footage was shot in Moscow, with an original score by Alexey Aigui.
Speaking about the film, Mark said his goal was “to tell a story that, in today’s chaos, reminds us of what truly matters.” He collaborated with both American and Russian crews to capture the cultural and emotional authenticity of the story.
Beyond Filmmaking
Outside of cinema, Mark is passionate about literature, sailing, mountaineering, skiing, fine wines, and gastronomy. He is also a supporter of projects focused on sustainability and reducing global risks.
Final Word
Mark Tchelistcheff is more than a filmmaker — he is a cultural bridge, connecting Russian heritage with the global art community. Through his films, he preserves history while engaging audiences with compelling, beautifully crafted narratives.
To learn more about Mark Tchelistcheff and “André: The Voice of Wine”, visit Open Films and the film’s official festival pages.