Jiří Barta
Celebrated for his unique and imaginative approach to animation, Jiří Barta was born in 1948 in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Barta has been active in the film industry from the 1970s, predominantly working in the genres of animation and fantasy, with his most notable films including 'The Pied Piper' and 'In the Attic', the latter earning him the Czech Lion award for Best Art Direction. His authorial style is distinctive, employing innovative puppetry and stop-motion techniques, coupled with surreal and often dark thematic elements. Beyond his technical prowess, Barta is a dream-weaver, crafting fantastical tales that captivate audiences with their intricacy and depth, embodying the heart and soul of Czech cinema.