Gyula Macskássy, often referred to as the "father of Hungarian animation," was a pioneering animator and director. He began his career in the 1930s, creating animated commercials and later co-founding Hungary's first animation studio. In 1951, he directed A kiskakas gyémánt félkrajcárja (The Cockerel's Diamond Coin), the first Hungarian color animation film. Macskássy was instrumental in developing animated series such as Peti (1963) and Gusztáv. His innovative work earned him the Balázs Béla Prize, and his legacy continues to influence Hungarian animation.