**Georges Méliès (1861-1938)** was a French illusionist and a central figure in early cinema. He is widely recognized as the "father of cinematic special effects."

Méliès transformed cinema from mere documentation of reality into an art of illusion and storytelling. A master of innovative techniques, he pioneered the use of stop-motion, multiple exposures, dissolves, and superimposition. His films are characterized by theatrical sets, fantastic narratives, and whimsical humor.

Among his most iconic works are **Le Voyage dans la Lune** (1902), a landmark in science fiction, and **Le Voyage à travers l'impossible** (1904). Through his studio, Star Film, he produced over 500 films, shaping the language of cinematic fantasy and influencing generations of filmmakers.