The upstate New York chapter of Women in Film & Television (UPWIFT) in partnership with The Linda – WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio presents

A Celebration of the First Woman Filmmaker, Alice Guy-Blaché

Three short, silent films representative of the first director’s work will be presented: A House Divided, Fool and His Money, Falling Leaves followed by a Q&A with  producer and director Pamela Green who  is currently making a feature full-length documentary film about Alice Guy-Blaché called “Be Natural”

The Reel Women in Film series focusing the spotlight on women filmmakers and their films. Each evening presents a film followed by a conversation with the women instrumental in its creation.

Alice Guy-Blaché was the first female film director and the first film studio owner. She made her first film, by her own account, in 1896 at age 23. She went on to write, direct, or produce more than 1,000 films.  Alice Guy-Blaché was not only the first female director, but the first director to implement cinematic techniques during the dawn of the art form, such as the use of the close-up  and directing actors to play non-theatrically . She had signs in her studio that  reminded actors to “Be Natural” She can be considered the first director (male or female), because she was the first to give direction to actors and to separate her role from the cameraman. Surprisingly, this pioneer of cinema was largely forgotten for decades.

The films run around 15 minutes each followed by a Q&A with  producer and director Pamela Green, who  is currently making a feature full-length documentary film about Alice Guy-Blaché for which she  has been conducting extensive research for the past five years with an amazing team of detectives .  (The Q&A will be Skyped in live from L.A.) Ms. Green’s efforts have made many new discoveries that change the way early cinema is known. She has secured  support for the restoration of films by Alice Guy-Blaché, as well as the creation of an archive. Audience members will have the opportunity to view never-before-seen sneak-peeks from Ms. Green’s documentary. Films will be introduced and Q&As moderated by UPWIFT President, film director and cinema educator Hanna Sawka.

Upstate Women in Film & Television (UPWIFT) supports women calling the shots in film, television and digital media, energizing the careers of women in entertainment by illuminating their achievements, providing training and professional development, and advocating for equity. UPWIFT is a volunteer based organization, reaching from the base of the Hudson Valley to the crown of the Capital District Region, and joining over 40 other Women in Film & Television chapters with 10,000 global members.