Born in 1871 in Teruel, Segundo de Chomón was one of the greatest film and animation pioneers around the world. His multiple tricks and optical illusions appeared in big European blockbusters such as Cabiria (Piero Fosco, 1914) or Napoleon (Abel Gance, 1927). He also directed his own short films during which he explored like none other, the expressive possibilities of stop motion. Among these short pieces, The Electric Hotel (1908) is an authentic fantasy wonder which he created for the world's most important producer at the beginning of the 1900s, Phaté Frères.
After a hundred years in Méliès' shadow, Chomón's mastery shines ever more. The latest example of the long belated acknowledgement is the recent appearance of a book titled "Segundo de Chomón. Films that Fascinate" written by Joan M. Minguet Batllori, which will be printed in Catalan, Spanish and English. The Film Library of Cataluña will present this new volume on the 11th of January during an event in which the author will be in attendance and a special documentary will be projected about the genius from Teruel.
* Translated by Vera Ciria
