Pavel Klushantsev (1910–1999) was a Soviet filmmaker, screenwriter, and cinematographer, widely regarded as a pioneer of science fiction cinema. Known for blending scientific accuracy with imaginative storytelling, he directed influential films such as Road to the Stars (1957), which inspired generations of filmmakers, including Stanley Kubrick in the making of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Klushantsev’s innovative use of special effects and visual techniques helped shape the language of modern science fiction on screen. Throughout his career, he focused on bringing space exploration and futuristic visions to a wide audience, earning him recognition as one of the most significant visionaries of Soviet cinema.
