Who is recognized as the first female silent film director?

Alice Guy Blaché is recognized as the first female silent film director. She made her mark in the film industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, directing and producing films during a time when the film industry was still in its infancy. Notably, she was one of the first to realize the potential of film as a medium for storytelling.

Her groundbreaking work includes directing one of the first narrative films, "La Fée aux Choux" (The Cabbage Fairy) in 1896. This film showcased her innovative approach to filmmaking, utilizing narrative techniques that were ahead of her time. Alice Guy Blaché not only directed but also played a pivotal role in the establishment of filmmaking as an artistic expression.

While Lois Weber was a successful director and screenwriter in her own right, and Frances Marion was a prominent screenwriter, their contributions came later in the silent film era. Doris Wishman was known for her work in the exploitation and independent film genres but is not credited as a pioneer in the early silent film industry. Alice Guy Blaché's extensive body of work and her influence on the industry solidify her place in history as the first female silent film director.