Lev Polyakov, 19, was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and moved to New York at the age of 4. By the age of 14 he had developed excellent drawing skills thanks to studies with his father, artist & designer Alexander Polyakov. Lev was taught the basics of traditional cel animation by Signe Baumane, while helping her with the production of her short film, The Dentist. In the course of three years Lev created several animated shorts, including Piper the Goat and the Peace Pipe (2005) , the winner of the first prize at Ottawa 2005 International Animation Festival in Pre-College Film category, and Morning, Day, Evening, Night, ... and Morning Again (2006), screened at the Multivison International Festival of Animation Arts in St. Petersburg and nominated for the Best Undergraduate Film award at Ottawa 2006 International Animation Festival. At present time Lev is attending the Animation Program at School of Visual Arts, New York.

Memorable quotes:

"Lev is improving by leaps and bounds. I know he will be a filmmaker of renown someday," -- David Levy, the president of ASIFA East .

"The energy and bizarre humour of this high school student film suggests an original talent with great promise." -- jury comments, Ottawa 2005 International Animation Festival.