In the Mirror of Maya Deren

This documentary about the "mother of independent cinema" paints a rich biographical portrait of a pioneer in the development of independent American film. Deren was one of the great names of the American avant- garde cinema and this film follows the journey of the artist's fascination with Haitian voodoo, Her heroic refusal to make Hollywood compromise, and her tragic early death in 1961. Kudláček's treatment of her subject matter makes the film austere and restrained - the only really heartfelt reminiscence comes in Stan Brakhage's hyperbolic account of Deren's voodoo powers - it is quite enough to make you want to see and know more about her achievements.