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The world’s first female film director

Alice Guy-Blaché

A new documentary narrated by Jodie Foster celebrates the work of Alice Guy-Blaché. Foster tells Tom Brook why we should know about this incredible film-maker.

You may not be overly familiar with her name, but Alice Guy-Blaché was a true pioneer of early cinema.

Having made more than 1,000 films, Guy-Blaché is not only credited as the first female film director, but also the first person in the world, in 1896, to make a narrative film, titled The Cabbage Fairy.

A new documentary, Be Natural: The Untold story of Alice Guy-Blaché is narrated by one of her more high-profile fans, Jodie Foster.

With such talent and drive, why do so few know of her today?

“There were a lot of men taking credit for what she did…” Foster tells Tom Brook, “and I suppose she didn’t holler. That’s really why her name was swept under the rug.”

Watch the video above to find out more about Alice Guy-Blaché.

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