Who invented cinema?

There is no singular "inventor" of cinema, but several individuals made significant contributions to its development. The Lumiere Brothers, consisting of Louis and Auguste Lumiere, are widely recognized as pioneers of cinema. They invented the cinematograph, a device capable of recording, developing, and projecting motion pictures, and debuted their first film, "Workers Leaving the Lumiere Factory," in 1895.

Additionally, several other inventors and individuals contributed to the development of cinema. William Friese-Greene developed the first motion picture camera in 1885. Thomas Edison, with his Kinetoscope and later the Vitascope, played a substantial role in popularizing motion pictures. George Eastman's invention of flexible film also significantly advanced the capabilities and accessibility of filmmaking.

Therefore, while the Lumiere Brothers are often credited as the inventors of cinema, it is essential to recognize the collective contributions of numerous inventors, filmmakers, and innovators who shaped this influential medium.