NOTES ON MARIE MENKEN tells the story of this legendary artist (1909—1970), a Lithuanian immigrant who became one of New York's outstanding underground experimental filmmakers of the 1940’s through the 1960’s, inspiring artists such as Stan Brakhage, Andy Warhol, Jonas Mekas, Kenneth Anger and Gerard Malanga. The film will kick off a series celebrating this avant-garde pioneer at the Anthology Film Archives in New York City from February 9 – 18, 2007.

Variety calls the film "a handsome tribute," NOTES ON MARIE MENKEN features interviews with the filmmaker’s friends, relatives and colleagues, as they discuss her distinctive film technique, artistic struggle and personal life, and provide colorful reminiscences of both Menken and the New York art scene of the era. Composer and musician John Zorn contributes a wonderful film score for this revealing documentary.

Labels: cinema studies, experimental film, Marie Menken, NYC events, theatrical