[3] Since childhood, Balagov had been watching mainstream movies, and at the age of 18 began to create his own small videos.
He did not originally plan to pursue a career as a filmmaker, but decided to apply for the cinema workshop led by Alexander Sokurov at Kabardino-Balkarian State University in Nalchik.
[13][14] Beanpole was Russia's entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, making the December shortlist.
[16] In October 2022, Balagov announced that he left the project a year ago over creative differences, and the series' showrunner and creator, Craig Mazin, took over directing duties for the pilot, although 40% of the footage shot by Balagov were retained in the final cut.
[17][18] Balagov and his girlfriend, the Russian filmmaker Kira Kovalenko[19] were chosen as Telluride Film Festival guest directors in September 2022.