Avant Garde

Avant Garde is a film making style which involves experiemental techniques and ideas. It can also include new forms, ideas and ways of expression. The word Avant Garde oringated from the french word "ahead of the crowd" and in contempary english "cutting edge".

Avant Garde films are defined by visual experimentation, challenged convention of narrative and its abstract structure. The movement was birthed from film makers difiance to mainstream cinema through the 1900's.

In 1920's avant garde was originated in Europe through visual artists Dadists and Surrelists expanding their movement to film. Entr'acte (1924) directed by Rene Clair is considered to be the first short film created. It involved various technqiues and debuted camera angles and terms. The film involves people running in slow motion, seeing image from worm eye view and screen titles.

Entr'acte showcases daring styles and presents Clair innovative approach to film. The film was premiered between acts at the Theatre des Champs- Elysees in Paris. The music was composed by Erik Satie- a renowned pianist through 1920's.
The short saw some fundamental elements which was ground breaking for the 20th century technology.

Meshes of the Afternoon, directed by Maya Deren, 1942 is considered to have revolutionized short film and Avant Garde.
The 17 minutes short was the birth of American experimental film making and Maya Deren is considered to be the "Mother of Avant Garde".

The short was a collaboration between Maya and her husband, Alexander Hammid who provided the soundtrack for the film.

The film is abstract, lyrical and dream-like combining reality with innovative camera angle and editing techniques. I feel the film tackles challenging issues such as: suicide, death and grieving in an artistic and intensifying way.

Deren's influence in the 1920's amongst the short film industry was extremely fundamental and controversial. Deren stated "the cost to make one of my short films, is the same Hollywood spend on a tube of lipstick". Her fearless and innovative approach to film was admired by many and inspired many.

Meshes of the Afternoon





"Aside from being Maya Deren's most successful film, I also find Meshes to be the most intriguing for a number of reasons. The ability to tap into the human mind and realms of the unconscious through film art is amazing to me. Meshesis not just a feminist film trying to show a woman's place in a male-dominated society, but is also a  dramatic and intensifying experience for the viewer. Perhaps one of the reasons why this film is so compelling is because it is about her. The legendary Maya Deren came up with her ideas from personal experience, from feelings, emotions, and anxieties of her own. Just as we have many layers of consciousness, some that we are unaware of, Deren 'was always trying to bring out the multiple layers of meaning of everything that went into her films'  


1. Nicole Brady, Brakhage, p.11).