Noted film archivist, restorationist, and historian, Horak, embarked on a life-changing journey in 1951 when he emigrated to the United States with his parents and twin brother. Following his education in Chicago, he returned to Germany with his family in 1964, where he graduated from Frankfurt American High School.
This milestone marked the beginning of his academic pursuits, as he went on to attend Ohio University, University of Delaware, where he earned his Bachelor's degree, Boston University, where he obtained his Master's degree, and eventually, the University of Muenster in Germany, where he completed his PhD.
Horak's illustrious career spanned numerous esteemed institutions, including George Eastman House, where he worked from 1984 to 1994, the Munich Filmmuseum, from 1994 to 1998, Universal Studios, from 1998 to 2000, and the Hollywood Entertainment Museum, from 2000 to 2006.
In December 2007, Horak was appointed Director of the UCLA Film & Television Archive, a position he holds to this day. Throughout his career, he has taught at various universities, including the University of Rochester, the University of Salzburg, the Munich Film Academy, and UCLA.
As an accomplished author, Horak has published ten books and over 200 articles in ten languages, shedding light on various film historical topics.
