SND Acquires 'Alice: Pioneer of Cinema' Ahead of Toronto Film Festival

World Sales Acquisition by SND

Paris-based film and television studio SND, part of French media group M6, has secured world sales on the high-end period drama Alice: Pioneer of Cinema. The production stars Oscar-nominated actress Bérénice Bejo as Alice Guy, the pioneering female filmmaker who directed the first fictional motion pictures in history.

"Every so often, a series arrives with a story so extraordinary you cannot believe it has never been told," said Alexis Reybet-Degat, SND head of international TV series distribution. "'Alice' has the scale and craft of a major production, and a heroine whose fight feels strikingly modern. It is prestige and popular at once, and we are proud to bring it to broadcasters around the world."

The six-part series, co-produced by France's Wild Bunch, Ligne de Front, Belgium's Panache Productions, La Compagnie Cinématographique, and Canada's Sphere Media, will make its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival's Primetime section on September 14. It is expected to air in December on various international platforms.

Production Details and Creative Team

The series was created by Tim Loane (“Versailles,” “Das Boot”) and Claire Lemaréchal (“The Bureau”) from a script by André Gulluni (“Rematch”). It will be available on leading Spanish pay TV/SVOD service Movistar Plus+, HBO Max in Belgium, and the streamer Crave in Canada.

Helmed by Virginie Verrier and Guillaume Lonergan, Alice: Pioneer of Cinema traces the life of Alice Guy, who transitioned from secretary at Gaumont to becoming the first female fiction filmmaker and movie mogul in the late 19th to early 20th century. The show delves into her journey from a French studio executive to building the first film studio owned by a woman in the United States.

Despite her remarkable achievements, Guy ultimately lost everything, and her name faded into obscurity for over a century. However, she received posthumous recognition when she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Directors Guild of America, presented by Martin Scorsese. In 2024, her golden statue was unveiled at the Paris Olympic Games, standing alongside other influential women like Simon Veil and Simone de Beauvoir.

Cast and Critical Reception

The ensemble cast includes Oscar Lesage (“The Substance”), Thibaut Evrard (“Paris Police 1900,” “No Man's Land”), Irène Jacob (“The Affair,” “The Double Life of Véronique”), Sophie Nélisse (“Yellowjackets,” “The Book Thief”) and François Arnaud (“The Borgias,” “Yellowjackets”).

Caroline De Jenlis, producer at Ligne de Front, emphasized the significance of the partnership with SND: "We are thrilled to partner with SND. With their incredible expertise, we are fully confident they will give Alice's extraordinary story the global showcase it deserves."

Unifrance Rendez-Vous and Future Plans

SND is set to negotiate the series at the 32nd Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre, taking place from September 7-10. The event will also feature another prime drama on SND's slate: the nuclear warship thriller R91.

At Toronto, Alice: Pioneer of Cinema will be showcased alongside nine premium shows from major players such as A24, Amazon MGM, Netflix and Apple. This positioning underscores the series' anticipated cultural and commercial impact.

Historical Significance and Contemporary Relevance

The story of Alice Guy is not only a cinematic milestone but also an important narrative in the broader context of women's contributions to media history. Her legacy resonates with contemporary themes of gender equality, artistic innovation, and recognition of overlooked talent.

In today's entertainment landscape, where representation and diversity are increasingly critical, Alice: Pioneer of Cinema stands out as a timely and vital contribution. The series not only tells the story of a pioneering woman but also highlights how far we've come—and how much further we still have to go in terms of acknowledging and celebrating women's achievements in the arts.

Conclusion

SND's acquisition of Alice: Pioneer of Cinema marks a significant moment for both international distribution and historical storytelling. As the series prepares for its global rollout, it offers audiences a chance to discover one of cinema's most underappreciated pioneers while enjoying a high-quality production that combines historical authenticity with compelling narrative craftsmanship.