Honoring a Pioneering Female Director, 19th Century Tavern Night

The Fort Lee Film Commission is sponsoring a symposium at the Garden State Film Festival (March 31 to April 3) on the first woman director in world cinema history, Alice Guy Blache. Alice Guy Blache was the owner of the Solax Studio, which was located on Lemoine Avenue in Fort Lee. On Saturday at 3 p.m., The Fort Lee Film Commission will sponsor “Reel Jersey Girls: Alice Guy to Today—a Century of Women in Film” symposium dedicated entirely to the extraordinary achievements of Alice Guy Blache.

Whereas many early films were written, directed and produced by men and were primarily comedic and slapstick, Alice Guy Blache developed the narrative form used in movies and from 1902 to 1906 made 150 synchronized sound films. She was, as a 1912 excerpt from Moving Picture World article by Hugh Hoffman said, “…the presiding genius of the Solax Company.” As a female director, producer and studio owner she was a powerhouse well ahead of her times. Sadly, she has been lost to history, but it has been the work of the Fort Lee Film Commission to resurrect her achievements and lasting influence on the making of motion picture.  

Alice Guy Blache built Solax Studio in Fort Lee, the birthplace of the American film industry, and by doing so contributed to the town’s economic growth and development. Emerging at the end of the 19th century, it wasn't immediately clear whether cinema would become a viable industry beyond sideshow attractions. A film visionary with a strong business acumen, Alice Guy Blache helped turn the making of films into a profitable industry.

Reflecting on her innovations and achievements, a panel discussion with a Q&A will follow the symposium. The panel discussion will focus on comparing and contrasting technologies, art, business and gender aspects of filmmaking then and now, and discuss how Blache continues to influence the making of films today.

The Panel will consist of: Joan Simon, Curator of the Whitney Museum's retrospective of Alice Guy Blache films; Diane Raver, Founder and Executive Director of Garden State Film Festival; Kimberly Skyrme, Producer, Casting Director, President of Board

of WiFTI; Hisani DuBose, Director Christina Kotlar Turchyn, Fort Lee Film Commission, NYWiFT/WiFTI; and Terry Lawler, Moderator, Executive Director of New York Women in Film & Television.

The Symposium will take place at The Parlor Gallery, 717 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park at 3 p.m.

RESERVATIONS BEING TAKEN FOR KEARNEY HOUSE TAVERN PUNCH & PIE NIGHTS

The Palisade Interstate Park is now accepting reservations for their very popular spring “Tavern Nights” at the historic Kearney House. “Punch & Pie Tavern Nights” consist of 19^th Century-style food and drink, music, Hudson River tall tales, and more. “Punch & Pie Tavern Nights” will be held on two Wednesday evenings—April 20 and April 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Cost is $18 per guest per evening and reservations and pre-payment are required.

This program is limited to about 20 guests and is so popular that it sells out quickly, so call today to reserve your spot. If you love history, or just want to get a sense of what it was like to live along the Hudson, or visit a bar, in the 19^th century when there was only candlelight and conversation, you can’t miss Punch & Pie Tavern Night at the Kearney House.

For reservations call 201-768-1360 ext. 108 or email Kearney@njpalisades.org. The initial reservation will be held for one week pending receipt of payment.

The Kearney House is located at the base of the Hudson River at the Alpine Boat Basin and Picnic Area. It’s Exit 2 off the Palisade Interstate Parkway.