Who is considered the "father of cinema"?

Louis Lumière is often regarded as the "father of cinema" due to his pivotal role in the invention and popularization of motion pictures. Along with his brother Auguste, he developed the Cinématographe, a device that not only served as a camera but also functioned as a projector. This innovation allowed for the public screening of films, which was crucial in transitioning cinema from a novelty into a significant form of entertainment.

Lumière's first public screening in 1895 showcased the potential of film as a storytelling medium, marking the birth of modern cinema. The Lumière brothers' approach emphasized capturing real-life events and everyday moments, shaping the direction of documentary filmmaking and influencing countless filmmakers.

While Thomas Edison made significant contributions to early cinema, particularly with his Kinetoscope and various inventions related to film, his innovations are often overshadowed by the Lumières' impact on motion picture exhibition and storytelling. Georges Méliès, known for his artistic and imaginative contributions to film, particularly in the realm of fantasy and special effects, was also influential but came into prominence after the Lumière brothers had established the medium. Lewis Carroll, on the other hand, was a writer and mathematician famed for his literary works but had no direct connection to