Maria Novaro

Often considered the most successful female director of Mexican cinema, Maria Novaro studied sociology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and film production at the University Center of Film Studies in Mexico City. During her studies she made a range of short super 8 and 16 mm films. In 1984, she assistant directed AMOR A LA VUELTA DE LA ESQUINA with Alberto Cortés in Mexico City. Novaro continued to work in the industry as a sound mixer, cinematographer, and assistant director until she directed her first feature, LOLA, in 1989. Other works by Novaro include DANZÓN (1991), OTOÑAL (1992), EL JARDÍN DEL EDÉN (1994), and SIN DEJAR HUELLA (WITHOUT LEAVING A TRACE) (2000). Novaro is frequently considered an expressionist director because of the importance of colors in her films. Her work has been praised in Europe, especially in Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. In Mexico, she is considered a pioneer in an industry mostly dominated by men. Novaro currently lives in Mexico City and is working on a novel about Chicano women. (7/12)

An Island Surrounded by Water
A film by Maria Novaro, 1985, 25 min., Color
A beautiful and poetic account of a young girl's search for her mother, who left mysteriously to join a guerilla movement. The narrative combines her...