Born on July 13, 1929, in Paris, France, he was a pioneering animator and film director known for his surreal, imaginative style. He initially worked in a psychiatric institution, where he began experimenting with animation. His collaboration with artists like Roland Topor and Jean Giraud led to visually distinctive films. His most famous work, "Fantastic Planet" (1973), won the Special Jury Prize at Cannes. He continued to create thought-provoking animated features until his death in 2004.