A prolific screenwriter and director who played a pivotal role in patching relations within Russia's shattered film administration structures in his final years, Savva Kulish had overseen meetings with Moscow's Union of Filmmakers within days of his death, also serving as leader for the troubled union in the final year of his life.
Making his directorial debut with Mertvyy Sezon in 1968, Kulish helmed eight films in his over 30 years in the film industry, also serving as president of Moscow's Guild of Directors and well-regarded for his strong diplomatic skills and precise problem solving methods. From stage to television and film, Kulish served in many facets of the entertainment industry, coordinating the "100 Films about Moscow" series in 1998 to celebrate the 850th anniversary of the Russian capitol. Kulish also began serving as a professor at the State Film Institute in 1986, schooling future generations of Russian filmmakers in the art of screenwriting and direction. Kulish received the National Artist of Russia award from the State Film Institute in 1995.
On June 9, 2001, Savva Kulish died of a stroke in Yaroslavl. He was 64.