The Meshes of the Afternoon (film)

*The Meshes of the Afternoon* is an experimental short film from 1943, directed by Maya Deren and Alexander Hammid. It explores a dreamlike, surreal narrative through repetitive imagery and symbolic motifs, creating a sense of mystery and psychological depth. The film depicts a woman experiencing visions of violence, reflection, and escape, blurring reality and fantasy. Its innovative use of camera techniques, editing, and visual symbolism influenced later experimental and auteur cinema by illustrating inner emotional states and subconscious themes non-verbally. The film is celebrated for its poetic visual language and its pioneering role in avant-garde filmmaking.