In today’s post, we step into the enchanting world of Hermína Týrlová’s Christmas-themed animated film shorts, where every frame is a tapestry of creativity and whimsy. As a prominent Czech animator, screenwriter, and film director, Týrlová’s masterful storytelling and innovative use of materials come to life in these beautifully crafted tales.
Through her unique techniques, such as stop-motion animation using puppets and various natural materials like wool, fabric, and embroidery, Týrlová weaves narratives that transport audiences into a realm of festive magic and heartfelt storytelling. Whether it’s the lively adventures of a snowman facing the challenges of spring or the nostalgic retelling of traditional Christmas tales, Týrlová’s work captures the essence of the holiday season with warmth, charm, and a touch of her distinctive artistic flair.
We’re happy you are joining us on this journey through the heartwarming and visually stunning world of Hermína Týrlová’s Christmas animations, where each short film is a testament to her enduring legacy as a pioneer in the world of animated storytelling.
Christmas Tree
Vánoční stromeček (Christmas Tree) is a 1968 Czechoslovakian animated short film directed by Hermína Týrlová. It captures the essence of the holiday season in a mere 8 minutes. Antonín Horák’s cinematography and Evžen Illín’s musical composition contribute to the film’s atmospheric charm. In this animated drama with psychological undertones, Týrlová, renowned for her imaginative storytelling, weaves a fairy tale that revolves around Christmas generosity and the symbiotic love shared between humans and nature.
Who among us wouldn’t long for that—not just to understand but deeply experience—the miracle of rebirth during the Christmas holidays? Then winter could be eternal because the stars would never stop falling.
The narrative unfolds with woolen playfulness, creating a visually delightful and emotionally resonant experience. Through the artistry of Týrlová and her collaborators, Christmas Tree is a testament to storytelling’s power in capturing the festive season’s magic and harmony.
Beautiful, magical, lovely. Just like Christmas itself.
The Snowman
The Snowman is a 1966 stop-motion short film known as Sněhulák in Czech, is a delightful creation directed and written by Hermína Týrlová. The film, featuring cinematography by Antonín Horák and music by Zdeněk Liška, unfolds the charming tale of a snowman that magically comes to life during a snowstorm. With the looming threat of melting as spring approaches, the snowman embarks on a journey to a colder climate, leaving room for anticipation of a return in the following winter. The narrative introduces a small figure resembling a yarn Jack Frost, leading to a series of whimsical adventures.
Set against the backdrop of mid-century stylings and the enchanting realm of Czech fantasy, the film employs a balanced, cold-leaning winter color palette enhanced by the warmth of yarn as a medium. This blend of aesthetics creates an instantly endearing and cozy atmosphere. What stands out in The Snowman is the remarkable visual communication achieved through the clever use of styled yarn.
The animation skillfully captures various elements – from snowballs disintegrating upon impact to the energetic bounce of a small dog and the stiff, popsicle-like appearance of frozen creatures.
The transformation of the snowman’s body, expanding as he gathers air before exhaling snow particles, adds a clever and adorable touch to this whimsical masterpiece.
Bethlehem Star
Bethlehem Star is an animated short film from 1969, known as Hvězda Betlémská in Czech, directed by Hermína Týrlová, stands out as her most personal work. Reflecting on her own childhood, Týrlová utilized animation with various natural materials. The film was temporarily suspended during the normalization period, deemed “too religious,” according to the official distributor’s text.
The storyline, accompanied by a children’s choir singing well-known Czech carols, narrates the classic tale of the birth of Baby Jesus. Each carol serves as a commentary on the visual narrative, reminiscent of Jiří Trnka’s approach in his 1947 film Špalíček, where music significantly contributed to a nearly spiritual experience.
Beyond its intriguing animation, primarily composed of cotton, the film presents a medley of Christmas carols, collectively creating a beautiful festive atmosphere. Bethlehem Star is a nostalgic reminiscence of the traditional perception of the Christian Christmas season. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, recounting the story of the Eastern Wise Men, later elevated to the Three Kings in folklore, Hermína Týrlová incorporated the Christmas music of Svatopluk Havelka. The visual artist Ludvík Kadleček imparted his distinctive visual style to the story, utilizing woolen fibers as the main material but extending beyond them. With Christmas being a season of love and miracles, Týrlová infused her playful spirit and warm childhood memories to conjure the miraculous power of the Christmas comet and the Savior’s birth.
Bethlehem Star is a stylistically unique Christmas serenity, embodying peace and tranquility through Hermína’s innovatively playful approach.
Hermína Týrlová
Hermína Týrlová, an acclaimed Czech animator, screenwriter, and film director, left an indelible mark on the world of animation. Widely regarded as the mother of Czech animation, she crafted over 60 enchanting animated short films for children, employing puppets and pioneering the technique of stop-motion animation.
Born in Březové Hory, Central Bohemia, Týrlová’s early exposure to puppet-making skills from her woodworker father set the stage for her illustrious career. Venturing to Prague as a teenager, she showcased her talents in vaudeville, encompassing acting, singing, and dancing, while simultaneously delving into writing and illustrating children’s magazines.
In 1925, Týrlová joined Studio AB, where she crossed paths with her future husband, Karel Dodal. The studio specialized in producing animated films for advertising agencies like Elektrajournal and IRE-Film. Collaborating with Dodal, the duo created five animated advertising films and co-directed the pioneering Czech puppet animation film, “Tajemství Lucerny” (“The Lantern’s Secret”), in 1935. Despite the challenges posed by the 1939 German occupation of Czechoslovakia, Týrlová opted to stay in her homeland, while Dodal sought refuge in the United States and later Argentina.
Relocating to Zlín in eastern Moravia in 1941, Týrlová collaborated with Ladislav Kolda at Bata Studios, beginning a lifelong partnership. Her 1944 short film, “Ferda Mravenec” (“Fernando the Ant“), achieved global acclaim, and the original puppet for its main character is preserved in the Toy Museum in Figueres, Spain. In 1947, she co-directed “Vzpoura Hracek” (“Revolt of the Toys“) with František Sadek, blending stop-motion animation with live-action footage. Týrlová continued her prolific career, writing and directing animated films until 1986.
She passed away in Zlín on May 3, 1993, leaving behind a legacy that inspires animators and audiences alike.
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