Jiří Brdečka, a multifaceted Czech creative force, was born on December 24, 1917, in the charming town of Hranice, which at the time was a part of the vast and storied empire of Austria-Hungary.
Brdečka's academic journey led him to Charles University in Prague, where he embarked on a rigorous exploration of philosophy and aesthetics, delving deep into the complexities of the human experience and the artistic expression of it. However, his educational pursuits were tragically cut short by the sudden and devastating German occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939, which resulted in the forced closure of the university, leaving Brdečka with a sense of disorientation and uncertainty.
Undeterred, he redirected his energies towards administrative work at the Prague Municipal Museum, where he honed his organizational skills and developed a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the institution. Additionally, Brdečka also pursued a variety of freelance endeavors, working as a newspaper journalist and cartoonist, where he leveraged his creative talents to convey important messages and tell compelling stories.
Brdečka's journey in the film industry commenced during the sweltering summer of 1941, as he embarked on a new professional path by accepting a position as a press agent at the renowned Lucernafilm.
He continued to excel in this role until the conclusion of 1942, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience in the process.
In 1943, Brdečka made a significant career shift, transitioning to a role as an animator, where he had the opportunity to apply his creative talents in a new and exciting way.
By the dawn of 1949, he had reached a new milestone in his career, having ascended to the position of film director and screenwriter at the prestigious Barrandov Studios.
Jan Švankmajer's protege, Zdeněk Brdečka, embarked on a solo animation directing journey in 1958, fueled by his unwavering enthusiasm for the art form. Prior to his foray into the world of animation, Brdečka had already made a name for himself as a multifaceted creative force, having worked as a journalist, film critic, and novelist. His distinctive writing style, characterized by a liberal dose of hyperbole, a keen sense of satire, and an abundance of literary allusions, earned him a reputation as a master of his craft.
