Jiří Menzel was a renowned Czech film director, actor, and screenwriter, born on February 23, 1938, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He is best known for his work in the Czech New Wave movement, which emerged in the 1960s and focused on innovative storytelling and visual style. Menzel's most famous film, "Closely Watched Trains" (1966), won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Throughout his career, Menzel directed numerous films that often blended humor with poignant social commentary. His works frequently explored themes of human relationships and the absurdities of life under communism. Menzel's contributions to cinema have made him a significant figure in both Czech and international film history. He passed away on September 5, 2022.