According to media reports, the honored worker of arts of Russia passed away after a long illness. Leonid Kvinikhidze has been the Director and the writer of many famous Russian films: “June 31”, “Hat”, “Mary Poppins, goodbye!” and “where we are not.” 
Leonid Kvinikhidze has died at the age of 80 years. According to media reports, the Director and screenwriter for a long time was seriously ill. In a press-service of the Union of cinematographers of Russia confirmed the words of journalists.
“Yesterday, 81-m to year of life has become our friend and fellow member of the Union of cinematographers of Russia, film and theater Director, Honored artist of Russia, Kvinikhidze, Leonid Alexandrovich. Our condolences to the family and friends of Leonid Aleksandrovich”, — have informed in a press-service.
Kvinikhidze was born on 21 December 1937 in Leningrad. His father Alexander Fajncimmer was a Soviet film Director, winner of two Stalin prize of the third degree. Leonid followed in the footsteps of famous dads and in 1962 graduated from the directing Department of VGIK.
In the 60’s Kvinikhidze worked on the Central and Leningrad Studio of documentary films. The young Director filmed newsreels of the film. In movies Leonid debuted in 1965 with a picture of “the First visitor”. In 1973 filmed novel by Alexei Tolstoy “the Hyperboloid of engineer Garin”. The most famous Kvinikhidze brought musical films: “Straw hat”, “Heavenly swallows”, “June 31”, “Hat” and “Mary Poppins, goodbye”.
In addition to the movie, Leonid successfully staged performances in the theater. He was the chief Director and artistic Director of the capital’s “Music hall”, the Odessa theater of musical Comedy. Also worked as chief Director in the Crimean academic theater. The last place of work for Kvinikhidze became the Khabarovsk regional musical scene.
“The date of farewell and funeral while we can’t say anything. We are waiting for information from the Union of cinematographers”, — said the press service of the company.
The famous Director did not advertise personal life. Only once in an interview, he told how he met with the young Irina Ponarovskaya on the filming of the movie musical. The singer conquered his beauty and talent. Despite the 10 year age difference, the lovers began to live together.
When I first met with Irina, Leonid, Kvinikhidze was already a famous film Director, the audience loved his paintings “Crash of engineer Garina”, “Heavenly swallows”, “Straw hat”. Leonid was friends with many famous artists. Once the composer Maxim Dunaevsky suggested Kvinikhidze to put in Moscow a musical “Dear friend.” For music invited the orchestra of Oleg Lundstrem, where Ponarovskaya was the soloist.
“With its role as the Ira did really good, recalled Leonid. – And what was her voice! When she started singing, we were dumbfounded! In our show she sang and their songs. I especially liked “Prayer,” – told Kvinikhidze.
The Union of singer and Director for some years. Leonid helped Ponarovskaya to move to Moscow. “The Ira at that time was already very famous in his native Leningrad and the capital. She, like the stepmother from “Cinderella”, the Kingdom was not enough. Honestly, I didn’t want to move to Moscow. But he knew that in the capital opened a completely different perspective. Yes and Ira I didn’t want to leave,” admitted the writer.
The capital met the star a few unfriendly, both had a lot of work. Irina and Leonid began to quarrel. According to Kvinikhidze, in their gap played a major role the age difference.
“The decision that we need to disperse, we made mutually. There is no division of property not divided plates and pillows. After a breakup each of us went his own way,” shared the Leonid.
On materials of the publications “the Source”, “Agency of Moscow”.