Technically speaking, there are several films known to date from around 1887-1888; some might be debatable (because of process), but Roundhay Garden Scene (1888) is pretty much recognized as the first film. So film had been around for at least 15 years (and possibly earlier) by 1903. (I’m assuming you’re referring to the Lumiere film of factory workers as the advent of film.)

Also – I can’t speak specifically to the UK, but filmmaking was well entrenched by 1903 (see the Lumieres, the Australian Salvation Army, and directors such as Alice Guy-Blaché and Georges Méliès for a few examples). This film would have fit in to all that.

But I don’t want to be too pedantic about it. This is a wonderful restoration, and a great window in the past. It *was* from an early period in filmmaking history, it gives a great glimpse into a location 100 years back, and it presents an idea of what Lewis Carroll might’ve had in mind when he wrote the book.

“This version was filmed in Walton-on-Thames (where I grew up). Where this was filmed is now called Hepworth Way after the director.

This is what it looks like now. Not much chance of a Mad-hatter’s tea party… “