The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) honored the legendary Czech animation filmmaker Jiri Trnka with an insightful retrospective session titled “From Theatrical Puppetry to Cinematic Perspective – A New Journey in European Animation” today. The session featured distinguished ethnologist and French animation filmmaker Olivier Catherin, who shared his deep admiration and extensive knowledge of Trnka’s groundbreaking work.
Olivier Catherin highlighted Jiri Trnka’s pivotal role as a pioneer of a remarkable new genre of animation that utilized puppets to convey complex drama and psychological depth. Through innovative use of body language, expressive lighting, and dynamic camera movement, Trnka’s characters came to life in a way that set new standards in the animation industry. Before embarking on his illustrious filmmaking career, Trnka was already a prolific artist, beloved book illustrator, and author. His transition into animation had an enormous impact on the field, inspiring countless filmmakers and animators worldwide.
Catherin remarked, “Trnka’s films had a monumental impact on the development of Czech animation, and he inspired the careers of generations of filmmakers globally. His body of work—eighteen short films and six feature-length animated films—was matched only by Walt Disney Studios in output and garnered international acclaim, from Cannes to Venice and beyond.”
Trnka’s puppet animation studio, established in 1946, became a cornerstone of Czech animation, helping to establish the nation’s dominance in the field. He worked alongside other stop-motion animation masters such as Karel Zeman, Hermina Tyrlova, Jan Svankmajer, and Jiří Barta. Trnka, often referred to as “The Walt Disney of Eastern Europe,” adeptly exploited the potentials and limits of traditional Czech theater puppets, transforming them into a unique and powerful cinematic language. His influence remains a significant force in contemporary Eastern European animation.
One of Trnka’s notable achievements was his short film “Zviratka a Petrovsti,” which won the Cannes Short Film of the Year award in 1946, marking the beginning of his illustrious journey in the world of animation.
The retrospective session at MIFF not only celebrated Trnka’s contributions but also explored how his innovative approach to puppetry and animation continues to inspire and influence animators today.
