Benjamin Christensen (1879-1959) was a Danish director, screenwriter, and actor, a leading figure in silent cinema. His career took off in Denmark with films such as *Det hemmelighedsfulde X* (1914) and *Hævnens Nat* (1916), notable for their sophisticated use of lighting and visual storytelling. His undisputed masterpiece, made in Sweden, is *Häxan* (1922), an innovative hybrid of documentary and horror that explores the history of witchcraft through bold dramatic reenactments. The international success of *Häxan* led him to Hollywood, where he directed several films for MGM and First National, including *The Devil's Circus* (1926) and *Mockery* (1927). After returning to Denmark with the advent of sound, his subsequent work did not match the impact of his early films. His most lasting recognition is tied to the influence of *Häxan*, now considered a cult classic and a milestone in cinema history for its stylistic and thematic uniqueness.