HBO is no stranger to period pieces or biopics, dating back to 1998’s “Gia” and 1999’s “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,” both films about strong women navigating the entertainment industry. In keeping with this area of interest is the recent announcement by HBO Max and France Télévisions of the upcoming “ALICE,” a six-part mini-series about Alice Guy Blaché.  If you don’t know her, you should, as she is considered the first woman director in history.

Over the years, I’ve written about the works of women behind the camera in these columns, from silent-screen-actress-turned-director Mabel Normand (Hollywood’s first woman director to yell “action” through a bullhorn) to more recently, actress-turned-director Jennifer Esposito who had much success with her directorial debut “Fresh Kills.” However, Alice Guy Blaché was indeed the first woman to direct, produce, and write films, as early as 1896. Unlike all those who followed in her footsteps, she was only concerned with being behind the camera.

The series will cover the life of this forgotten visionary pioneer from Paris to New York to early Hollywood.  Throughout her career, Guy-Blaché defied the obstacles and expectations of filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and women of her time.  Her battles and desire for recognition will be explored against the backdrop of modern cinema.

Playing the part of Guy-Blaché is Academy Award–nominee Bérénice Bejo, a natural choice not only given her French roots, but also because she herself had starred in 2011’s “The Artist,” a film about the silent film era.  The cast also includes Thibaut Evrard (“Differente,” “Paris Police 1900”) as her mentor Léon Gaumont, Oscar Lesage (“The Count of Monte-Cristo,” “The Substance,” “Marie-Antoinette,” “The Crown”) as her husband Herbert Blaché, and Irène Jacob (“Liaisons,” “The Affair,” “3 Colors Red”) as her mother.

“We’re thrilled to launch the first-ever scripted series on Alice Guy-Blaché, the world’s first female filmmaker,” said producers Grégory Strouk (Wild Bunch) and Caroline de Jenlis (Palermo Production). They continued, “ALICE” is an epic saga diving into the struggles and triumphs of an extraordinary, free-spirited woman who helped shape the birth of cinema. With a powerhouse creative team and a story as bold as it is timeless, “ALICE” is set to inspire and captivate audiences in France and across the globe.”

HBO Max’x Guillaume Le Gros added: “We are proud to partner with France Télévisions, Wild Bunch, and Palermo Production on this deeply human story that brings to light the French pioneer of world cinema long erased from history. Her strength of character, artistic vision, and fierce determination remain profoundly inspiring today.