Karel Zeman, script writer, design artist and film director was born 100 years ago. His films combining live actors, animation and marionettes are part of the treasury of world cinematography.

Back in 1955 Zeman made a full-length “Journey to Prehistory”, the first film featuring live actors, animation and special effects. By combining reality and trick shots this film became a predecessor of science fiction thriller films such as Jurassic Park, which earned millions of dollars.

Karel Zeman transferred phantasy from books to film. His puppet films won many awards for Czechoslovakia at world festivals soon after the 2^nd world war. His humorous stories of Mr. Prokouk are screened until today, and his films: The Fabulous World of Jules Verne, Stolen Airship, Off on the Comet, or The Baron Munchausen were a great success.

The medal designer and Czech Mint’s engravers transferred some of the unforgettable symbols of his films to the relief of this commemorative medal.

The obverse side features a portrait of Karel Zeman holding a pencil on which Baron Munchausen is standing as a symbol of phantasy. Mr. Prokouk with a bouquet of flowers sits on Zeman’s shoulder – symbolically congratulating his creator.

The reverse side is dominated by a film reel complemented with motifs from Zeman’s famous films: an octopus, a diver, a stolen airship, a dinosaur. Years 1910–2010 commemorate the artist’s 100^th birth anniversary.

Limited edition of 600 pieces, numbered