In the Mirror of Maya Deren

This 2002 German documentary (in English) by Marta Kudlacek is the best portrait of an experimental filmmaker that I know.

Offers a remarkable tribute to one of the few people who genuinely deserves to be known as a pioneer of filmmaking. In the genre of films about films, In the Mirror of Maya Deren is among the best.

Rather than a feminist martyr, her film presents an artist with a rich body of work, one who still fascinates and continues to cast a wide influence.

It presents a reverential and loving portrait of Deren while remaining breezy, informative and entertaining.

Kudlácek's primary focus, however, is on Deren's work, which means we don't learn enough about her complex, fascinating personality. On the other hand, she's offering a too-rare opportunity to see substantial portions of Deren's seminal films.

Kudlácek rounds up a who's-who of experimental filmmakers, Haitian artists, dance choreographers, archivists, and programmers, all of whom reflect intelligently (though dryly) on Deren's importance in underground cinema.

Informative documentary.