André Bazin was a French film critic and theorist, born on April 18, 1918. He is best known for co-founding the influential film magazine Cahiers du Cinéma in 1951, which played a crucial role in shaping film criticism and theory. Bazin advocated for the importance of realism in cinema and believed that film should capture the essence of reality. Bazin's ideas significantly influenced the French New Wave movement, encouraging filmmakers to experiment with narrative and style. He emphasized the use of long takes and deep focus, which allowed viewers to engage more deeply with the film's world. His writings continue to be studied and respected in film studies today.