René Laloux was a French animator and director, best known for his work in the field of animated science fiction. Born on July 13, 1936, he gained recognition for his unique visual style and imaginative storytelling. His most famous film, Fantastic Planet (1973), is celebrated for its surreal animation and thought-provoking themes, earning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Laloux collaborated with artist Roland Topor, whose distinctive artwork greatly influenced the look of his films. Throughout his career, Laloux created several other notable works, including Gandahar (1988) and Time Masters (1982), which further showcased his innovative approach to animation and narrative.