Alice: the HBO Max and France Télévisions series about Alice Guy Blaché

The HBO Max platform and France Télévisions announce the start of shooting for Alice, a six-episode biographical series dedicated to the life of Alice Guy Blaché, considered the first fiction director in the history of cinema. The project, co-directed by Virginie Verrier and Guillaume Lonergan, sheds light on a long-forgotten pioneer of the 7ᵉ art, whose artistic and personal journey marked the beginnings of world cinema. Scheduled for broadcast in 2026.

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A tribute to a cinema pioneer

Alice retraces for the first time on screen the destiny of Alice Guy Blaché, an essential figure in the history of cinema but one who remained unknown for a long time. Born in France at the end of the XIXᵉ century, she was the first to direct cinematic fiction before founding her own studios in the United States. The series aims to rehabilitate her decisive role in the invention of cinematic language.

Casting and artistic team

The lead role goes to Bérénice Bejo, known for The Artist and Sous la Seine. She co-stars with Thibaut Evrard as Léon Gaumont, Oscar Lesage as Herbert Blaché, Irène Jacob as Marie (Alice's mother) and Yannick Choirat as Charles Pathé. The cast also includes Marc Barbé, Steve Driesen, Sophie Nélisse, François Arnaud and Vincent Leclerc. The series was created by Tim Loane and Claire Lemaréchal, with André Gulluni contributing the script. Co-directors are Virginie Verrier(Marinette) and Guillaume Lonergan(Empathy).

An ambitious international co-production

Co-produced by HBO Max and France Télévisions, in partnership with Wild Bunch, Palermo Production, Panache Productions, La Compagnie Cinématographique and Sphère Média, Alice has an international dimension. Shooting will take place in Paris, Belgium, the Camargue and Canada, reflecting the scope of the project. The producers emphasize the importance of introducing the general public to this visionary female figure, who helped lay the foundations of modern cinema.

Who is the series aimed at?

This historical fresco will appeal to fans of biopics, inspirational stories and tales of the origins of cinema. It will undoubtedly appeal to viewers passionate about works such as Feud, The Crown or Hollywood. With its blend of drama, history and feminist themes, Alice promises to be a series with international appeal, aimed at audiences curious about the great forgotten figures of world culture.

Alice in a nutshell

Scheduled for release in 2026, Alice is an ambitious co-production between HBO Max and France Télévisions. In six 45-minute episodes, it will recount the life of Alice Guy Blaché, France's first fiction director, between her artistic successes, her thwarted love affairs and her quest for recognition. With Bérénice Bejo in the lead role, the series aims to restore visibility to this French pioneer of world cinema.

This article is based on information available online; we have not yet viewed the film or series mentioned.

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