Zdeněk Miler, a celebrated Czech animator and illustrator, whose artistic endeavors would go on to captivate audiences around the world, was born on February 21, 1921, in Kladno, a charming town situated just west of Prague, the capital of Czechoslovakia, a nation with a rich cultural heritage, at that time.
The course of Miler's life was forever altered by the devastating Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, which imposed a profound impact on the country and its people, ultimately compelling Miler to redirect his path and pursue a career in animation, a creative outlet that would allow him to express himself and bring joy to others in the face of adversity.
As a youthful individual, Miler exhibited a profound fascination with the art of painting, a creative pursuit that would eventually evolve into a deep-seated passion and lifelong dedication. This early enthusiasm for painting was further nurtured and refined when Miler enrolled in the prestigious national graphic school in Prague in the year 1942, where he had the opportunity to hone his artistic skills and explore the vast possibilities of the medium.
As Miler continued to develop his artistic talents, he went on to study at the esteemed College of Arts and Crafts (Uměleckoprůmyslová škola Praha),a renowned institution that provided him with a comprehensive education in the arts. It was during his time at this esteemed institution that Miler not only further refined his skills as a painter, but also discovered a new passion for animation, a medium that would eventually become a significant aspect of his artistic identity.
Through his studies and subsequent professional endeavors, Miler emerged as a highly skilled and accomplished animator, a testament to his dedication to his craft and his unwavering passion for artistic expression.
Miler's remarkable professional odyssey commenced in 1948 with his inaugural stint at the renowned cartoon studio Baťa in Zlín, where he garnered invaluable hands-on expertise in film production, with a particular emphasis on animated films.
Noted Czech animator and filmmaker, Zdeněk Miler, is renowned for his most iconic and enduring creation, the endearing and iconic character, Mole, also affectionately referred to as Krtek or Krteček in its original Czech language iteration, whose thrilling escapades have managed to captivate the hearts and imaginations of audiences from all corners of the globe, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries with its universal appeal.
