Rue Albert Mourlan

“A filmmaker in Montfermeil?” you might ask. It seems Rue Albert Mourlan, nestled in this Parisian suburb, bears the name of a man who, though little known to the world at large, left his mark on early cinema. Albert Mourlan, a painter, illustrator, and self-taught filmmaker, called Montfermeil home. He lived and worked here from 1919 until his death in 1946. In the years between the World Wars, Mourlan became a prolific filmmaker, creating over 55 films. He was a true auteur, dabbling in animation, documentaries, even educational and promotional films. His clients ranged from government ministries to local parishes, reflecting the diverse appeal of his work. Mourlan’s artistic journey began much earlier, however. In 1908, he began working as an illustrator for the popular French comics magazine “L’Épatant.” Under the pseudonym Albert Lanmour, he even illustrated the cover of the very first issue! His career as an illustrator continued alongside his filmmaking until the 1920s. It seems this quiet street holds the memory of a multifaceted artist, a man who, though not a household name, played a significant part in shaping the world of art and film we know today.