Viktor Kubal

Viktor Kubal (1923 - 1997) is considered the father of Czechoslovak animated film: his "Zbojník Jurko" (1976) is the very first Slovak animated film ever made. Kubal is known for his minimalist drawing and storytelling style, with which he achieves maximum effect. He is considered one of the most influential animation filmmakers of the 20th century.

Kubal was born in Svätý Jur, Slovakia. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava and at the École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs in Paris. After his studies, he worked as a cartoonist and illustrator for various magazines and newspapers. In 1953, he made his first short animated film, "Bez domova" ("Homeless").

In the 1950s and 1960s, Kubal worked on some of his most famous films, including "Puf a Muf" ("Puff and Muff"), "Zbojník Jurko" ("The Robber Jurko") and "Krvavá pani" ("The Bloody Lady"). These films were characterized by their humor, visual style and social criticism.

Kubal's films have been shown at film festivals around the world and have won several awards, including the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival for "Puf a Muf." He is considered one of the most influential animation filmmakers of the 20th century and his work is still admired by people around the world.