Émile Cohl was a French cartoonist and animator, born on January 4, 1857. He is often regarded as one of the pioneers of animation, creating some of the earliest animated films. His most famous work, Fantasmagorie, released in 1908, is considered one of the first fully animated films, showcasing his innovative use of hand-drawn images. Cohl's unique style involved using simple line drawings that transformed into various shapes and characters. He contributed significantly to the development of animation techniques, influencing future animators and filmmakers. His work laid the groundwork for the animation industry, making him a key figure in its history.