Juraj Herz (*1934, Kežmarok) studied at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague to complete his studies in direction and acting at the Department of Puppetry in 1958. Since then he has lived in Czech Republic. He is among the legends of Czechoslovak cinematography. He entered the world of film over half a century ago as a talented and original film-maker who moves with equal confidence and grace across genres, from psychological drama, through comedy and tragic grotesque, to compelling story with mysterious atmosphere. As assistant director he worked on the Oscar-winning film The Shop on the Main Street, in which is also acted. In 1987 he emigrated to Germany where he made films and series for German, Austrian, French and American television companies. His cult films include The Cremator (1968), Sweet Amusements of Past Summer (1969) and Oil Lamps (1971). Is works earned him innumerable domestic and international awards, including festival prices at Karlovy Vary, Monte Carlo and Chicago.