Priit Pärn (B. August 26, 1946, in Tallinn) has left an incredible mark across the worlds of animation, caricature, and graphic art. After earning his degree in Biology from the University of Tartu in 1970, he began his career as a plant ecologist at the Tallinn Botanical Garden. In 1976, Pärn joined Tallinnfilm Studio as a director and has been at Eesti Joonisfilm Studio since 1994. Pärn’s journey as an illustrator and caricaturist began in the late 1960s, earning him prestigious international awards. By the early 1980s, he had increasingly embraced freelance work as a graphic artist, showcasing his work in more than 50 solo exhibitions around the globe. Pärn has directed, written, and designed 18 animated films that have garnered over 80 awards from top festivals worldwide, including 22 Grand Prix honors. His unique storytelling and visual style have inspired generations of filmmakers, from independent creators to industry giants. As an educator, Pärn has shared his expertise at film schools across the globe, from Finland to Japan, teaching in over 15 countries. In 1994, he founded the animation studies program at Turku Arts Academy in Finland, serving as its artistic director until 2007. Under his guidance, the program won the prize of World Best Animation School at the Ottawa Animation Festival in 2003. Pärn also established the animation department at the Estonian Academy of Arts in 2006, where he served as a professor until 2019. His students have gone on to win over 140 awards at international festivals. Pärn’s illustrious career has been recognized with nine Lifetime Achievement Awards, including honors from ASIFA, the IFF Etiuda & Anima (Poland), and the State Lifetime Achievement Award of Estonia, among others. Through his groundbreaking films, influential teaching, and pioneering graphic work, Pärn has left a profound legacy on global animation and visual arts.