The Earliest Lesbian Director

Who were the first women in film? In this episode we dive into the history of early film production and the people who made revolutionary changes to the industry. Janine explains the first motion camera, the first narrative film, the lives of Alice Guy-Blache, Louis Weber, Frances Marion and the incredible Dorothy Arzner. There is also a very lively discussion about the first ever talkie, the Jazz Singer.

Content Warning: Racism, Discussion of Blackface

To Learn More About Women In Film: https://wfpp.columbia.edu/

Sources

“ARZNER, DOROTHY – Edited By.” Women Film Editors, https://womenfilmeditors.princeton.edu/arzner-dorothy/.
Field, Allyson Nadia. “Dorothy Arzner – Women Film Pioneers Project.” Women Film Pioneers Project, https://wfpp.columbia.edu/pioneer/ccp-dorothy-arzner/.
Heckmann, Chris. “What Was the First Movie Ever Made — Film History Explained.” StudioBinder, 24 July 2022, https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-was-the-first-movie-ever-made/.
Lewis, Maria. “Dorothy Arzner: mother of invention.” ACMI, https://www.acmi.net.au/stories-and-ideas/dorothy-arzner-mother-invention/.
McMahan, Alison. “Alice Guy Blaché – Women Film Pioneers Project.” Women Film Pioneers Project, https://wfpp.columbia.edu/pioneer/ccp-alice-guy-blache/.
Ruvoli, JoAnne. “Frances Marion – Women Film Pioneers Project.” Women Film Pioneers Project, https://wfpp.columbia.edu/pioneer/ccp-frances-marion/.
Stamp, Shelley. “Lois Weber – Women Film Pioneers Project.” Women Film Pioneers Project, https://wfpp.columbia.edu/pioneer/ccp-lois-weber/.