Artistic director of the International Circus Festival of Budapest (1996-2012)
Winner of 12 different International Circus Festivals as performing artists
Master of Arts graduate of Directing Circus from Bath Spa University UK
Casting Director and Circus Adviser for the Recirquel contemporary circus company Hungary
Internationally acclaimed entertainer, artistic and creative director with 40 years of experience. Recently worked as circus consultant and choreographer for Disney Pictures on “DUMBO” a movie directed by Tim Burton and was the production director for the creation of MANDANA the 2019 touring show of Circus Krone the largest circus in Europe. Kristian had the honors to receive Knight's Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit in 2021.
Managed the technical aspects of the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo at the World Expo in Dubai 2021 and assistant to the direction of the Festival in Monaco for the editions in 2023 and 2024. Contemporary circus adviser and founding member at ECA, the European Circus Association.
KRISTIAN KRISTOF was born in 1969 as a scion of a fourth-generation Hungarian circus family. After completing elementary school, he pursued his high school studies at the State Ballet Institute. He later earned an Artist Performer diploma at the Hungarian State Circus School. In 2019, he achieved a master's degree in physical theater and circus directing from Bath Spa University.
At the age of 23, Kristian received the Károly Hortobágyi Award. Over his 40-year active career, he garnered numerous accolades, including gold, silver, and bronze awards at 12 international circus festivals. In 1994, he established a juggler world record that remains accredited by the Guinness Book of Records.
From 1996 to 2012, Kristian was the founder and artistic director of the Budapest International Circus Festival. During the same period, he also spearheaded the Maciva Master Studio, a circus professional workshop that produced internationally acclaimed artist performances.
In 2017, Kristian served as the circus expert and choreographer for the film "DUMBO," directed by Tim Burton for Disney. He directed the circus scenes in the film.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role in selecting international artists for the performance at the closing ceremony of FINA, a production conceived and directed by Bence Vági. This endeavor marked the commencement of an entirely new phase in his career.