GEORGES MÉLIÈS

(1861-1938)

 

Well known and featured in previous editions of Film Fest, he shared the screen with another cinema pioneer, with whom he is often compared due to the optical illusions and special effects frequently used in his films.

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SEGUNDO DE CHOMÓN

(1871-1929)

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The ‘Spanish Méliès’ is a key figure in the early days of cinema, whose career was overshadowed by his French contemporary. Chomón plays an important role in the history of cinema as a director, special effects expert, and pioneer of fantasy cinema, special effects, and animated films. Unlike Méliès – who needs no introduction here – he went through the various transformations of cinema in the early decades of the last century, always adapting to its innovations. He had a special talent for trick films, characterised by technical mastery and extravagant fantasy. Impressed by his wide-ranging skills, Pathé invited him to be one of its film directors and, recognising his talent, gave him complete creative freedom, evident in the way Chomón uses numerous techniques, such as puppets, frame-by-frame animation (a precursor to stop-motion), multiple exposures and hand-drawn animation. In 1913, when the era of the ‘fairies’ was coming to an end, he moved to Italy, where he continued his successful career, creating special effects for silent film landmarks such as Giovanni Pastrone's “Cabiria” and Abel Gance's ‘Napoleon’.

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Filmoteca de Catalunya