Thursday, September 19, 2024

Alice Guy-Blaché: An Icon, A Legend



Out of all the 20th century film pioneers, Alice is my favorite by far. Time has hidden her behind the scenes of history, but here I would like to give her some spotlight. Some of her biggest accolades include being the inventor of narrative film and being the first female director. For her time, this was revolutionary. Not only was she breaking the barriers of male and female societal roles, but she was also shaking up the film world. For example, her film "The Cabbage Fairy" (1900) was the first film with plot. 

(link to "The Cabbage Fairy" )

I find it fascinating that the movies and TV that we watch enjoy today will all have remanence of Guy's work. Moreover, her story is an inspiration for anyone who feels like the underdog. Despite being in a male-dominated field, Guy was able to do amazing things. Just to name a couple: she had great importance at Gaumont studios where she got to work with Gaumont's chronophone and she created a motion-picture studio in New York, Solax, with her husband. There made not 100, not 200, but 300 films! 

While I'm not planning to work professionally in the film industry, I can still take some lessons I've learned from Alice. If she were here today, I think she would say that anyone, regardless of gender, can perform well with their knowledge in their passion. 

Introduction

 Hello!

My name is Rehema, and I am currently a Sophomore at Augustana College. I major in biochemistry (pre-dentistry) and minor in mathematics. Although I have a packed schedule, I always find time to indulge in my favorite films and TV. In my blog I will discuss a variety of topics surrounding film and TV history around the world. 

I've always been a cinemaphile with my favorite all time film being "The Lion King". I think film is a great form of expression and way to bring people together. Whether it be for a laugh, a cry, a scream, or a head scratch in confusion, film and TV brings the imaginations of creatives into a sharable space.

In my blog, I will extend that sharable space with two goals in mind: to effectively contribute to the film conversation and to bring forth new perspectives and lesser heard voices. 




Alice Guy-Blaché: An Icon, A Legend

Out of all the 20th century film pioneers, Alice is my favorite by far. Time has hidden her behind the scenes of history, but here I would l...