VÁCLAV TÁBORSKÝ

After a lifetime of adventure, curiosity and travel, as well as an incredible career, Václav Táborský passed away on August 6, 2025, at the age of 96. He leaves behind many friends who will miss his vivacious spirit and lively stories. Born in Prague on September 28, 1928, Táborský went on to become one of the most important personalities of Czech cinematography. Between 1947 – 1952, he studied film at the Prague Film Faculty (FAMU) and in 1954, joined the Prague Studio of Short Documentary Films, where he remained until immigrating to Canada in 1968. By 1960, Táborský developed a distinctive cinematic style. His work was divided into two main streams: short satirical documentary features and full-length films for youth. Among his most notable documentary works is Václavské nám?stí (Venceslav Square, 1961), for which he received Lion of St. Mark at the festival in Venice. During his time in Czechoslovakia, he directed approximately 80 short films and 50 TV shows. Táborský also made two feature films: the first, Út?k do v?tru (Escape Into The Wind, 1965), a story of three teenagers who abandoned their family to live independently, and the second, Zázra?ný hlavolam (Miraculous Puzzle, 1967), a modern fairytale. In 1968, following the occupation of Czechoslovakia, Táborský immigrated to Canada with his wife and love of his life, Dagmar, an editor and film director. He worked at the National Film Board of Canada in Montreal, and then later as a coordinator of the production-oriented film program at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario. Between 1975 – 1979, Táborský taught film at Algonquin College in Ottawa, and then later at York University in Toronto. After retiring in 1990, Táborský devoted himself to autobiographical writing, painting and global travel, visiting tribal cultures and admiring indigenous art. In one of his later books titled Zivot v prodlouzenem case (Life In Overtime), he described his wife's struggle with terminal cancer with love and sensitivity. In 2005, he established the Foundation of Dagmar and Václav Táborský to provide financial support to talented young women studying documentary film at the FAMU. Táborský will be remembered for his zest of life and infectious sense of humour. Never one to shy away from adventure or let his age get in the way, he even tried skydiving for the first time at the age of 90. Vaclav/Vic/Vasek was a truly universal man and will be missed by many.