Chris Marker
A trailblazer of the essay film genre, Chris Marker was born in 1921 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, and remained active in the film industry until his death in 2012. His innovative style, often combining documentary and fiction, made waves in the realm of avant-garde cinema, with his most famous works including "La Jetée" and "Sans Soleil", the former of which inspired the Hollywood movie "12 Monkeys" and won numerous awards. His films, frequently exploring political and philosophical themes, are marked by their unique narrative voice and innovative use of still photography, making him a standout figure in the world of cinema. On a personal note, Marker was a true artist, a man who saw the world through a unique lens and wasn't afraid to challenge conventional storytelling methods.