Jean Rouch (1917-2004) was a French filmmaker, anthropologist, and ethnographer, considered one of the pioneers of cinéma vérité and a central figure in 20th-century documentary cinema. His career was deeply linked to Africa, particularly Niger, where he began to document local life and rituals. Working for the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), he developed an innovative approach that combined ethnographic observation and cinematic narrative. His most celebrated works, such as "Moi, un noir" (1958) and "Les Maîtres fous" (1955), explored the complex interaction between reality and fiction, giving rise to the concept of "ethnofiction." His film "Chronique d'un été" (1961), co-directed with Edgar Morin, is a seminal work of cinéma vérité that profoundly influenced the Nouvelle Vague. For his contribution to cinema, he received numerous accolades, including the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival in 1980 and an Honorary César. His legacy lies in revolutionizing the relationship between filmmaker and subject, blurring the boundaries between documentary and fiction.