Martin Ťapák, the famous Slovak film director dies

In the early morning hours on Sunday, 1 February, director, screenwriter, film and theatre actor, dancer and choreographer Martin Ťapák died in Bratislava at the age of 88. Martin Ťapák was born on 13 October, 1926 in northern Slovak village of Liesek. He graduated from the conservatory and later studied directing and choreography at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava, which he ended in 1956. Martin Ťapák worked as an actor in the Slovak National Theatre, as a dance choreographer in the Slovak State Traditional Dance Company and most importantly as a director in the Slovak film company in Bratislava. He directed 24 films, mainly based on folk themes or works of Slovak writers. Among his best known films is a comedy about Pacho, the robber from Hybe. During his life, he was awarded the title of Merited Artist, National artist and The Cross of the President of the Slovak Republic of II. instance.