Mirrors
by Mary Marxen

Mary Marxen
Follow
Mirrors
by Mary Marxen
Mary Marxen
Follow
We are raising money to fund production and post-production of our new short film. Click the link to contribute and help us make our film possible!
We are raising money to fund production and post-production of our new short film. Click the link to contribute and help us make our film possible!
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Story
Mission Statement
This film is not just for dancers; it's for anyone who desires to overcome major obstacles in their life. It speaks to those who have struggled with addiction, suffer from severe self-deprecation in all the ways it bears its teeth, and/or have been affected by an abusive relationship/s.About The Project
Mirrors explores the memories of an aspiring dancer named Crimson. Struggling to identify her own creative initiative in a sea of projected desires and desired projections, each of these memories represent unbearable conflicts within the dancer. The pain of suppressing her feelings comes to a pivotal breaking point moments into the opening of a major dance performance, when Crimson spirals out of reality and into her traumatic past. Through her eyes, the past and present blur as we encounter a scrutinizing audience, an unsupportive lover, and a nightclub full of strangers. This film dives into the terrifying frontier between the artist and the artist's endeavor. It wishes to confront fear with the intention of emerging alive, active, and powerful.
Because this is a short dance drama, the narrative relies heavily on the force of the character's physical actions through movement. This allows the audience to engage with greater intimacy those questions that might be answered more easily in symbols than words.
- What happens when we truly advocate for ourselves?
- What happens when we choose to embrace our inner critic?
- What ideas must be released?
- What effort must be shed?
A Personal Note from Director/Creator, Mary Marxen:
I've gone through my rendition of recovery and am still healing from a lifetime of negative thought and self-deprecation. I became extremely out of body when I was a teenager.
My parents encouraged play growing up. They loved us being children and I had major guilt around developing into a woman. I wanted to stop growing up in order to please them, so instead of dealing with those feelings, I resented them and abandoned my home. I became a heavy drinker at around fourteen years old, considered friends' houses more of my home than my own, and started seeking validation from detrimental men. All that drinking affected my physical development, and I had a lot of shame wrapped around my actions. In turn, I lost the ability to feel my own body. Literally. I am currently being examined to determine whether or not I suffer from a condition known as depersonalization. The only way I can describe the way it feels is that I can't feel when I touch my own hands to my skin.
The disconnected feeling I have with my own physical experience of the world has never gone away, but I have long decided to live well regardless. I share all of this because it is the deepest origin of my art. Mirrors is a manifestation of my working through recovery. It is about the endurance, courage, healthy living, and the strength it has taken me to go on that journey.
This film is here for others who desire to overcome major obstacles in their lives. It speaks to those who have struggled with addiction, suffer from severe self-deprecation in all the ways it bears its teeth, and/or have been affected by an abusive relationship/s. Mirrors will speak to subjects that are difficult to talk about, or even recognize at times. It encourages viewers to make peace with whatever reality they are living in, refrain from any more harsh self-critique, and to no longer play victim to a history that is seemingly impossible to overcome. And better yet, I hope this film encourages people to heal their lives through art, therapy, and self-expression. And to not try and please others with their work.
As Told From Director and Co-Writer, Mary Marxen
Portrait of Jacques Lacan, by Mary Marxen
This film originated from a years-worth of freeform prose poems I wrote. Each piece loosely revolves around the theme of navigating the gaze of others and the alienating inability to give a full account of the self. The poems are inspired both by painful experiences in my own life and the ideas behind French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan's "Mirror Stage" concept.
I remembered how significant it felt when I was first exposed to Lacan's "Mirror Stage." His work changed my entire disposition as I began grappling with the idea that it is only through the eyes of others that I can be seen as a whole. And when faced with my own image, I am found wanting a perfect rendition of what I cannot be. This inspired me to start writing. Many poems later, I shared my work with writer/director/actor, Ian Boisvert, and we decided to adapt them into a screenplay. This is the foundation of Mirrors - a story told through dance.
One of the reasons I love dancing as a medium of expressing this story is that the dancer's body is one which has been historically fetishized. Our intent is to examine the disconnect that humans have with their own physical being. Dance, which relies on the body as its instrument, captures, in essence, the struggle between the self as a subject and the self as an object.
Lacan's "Mirror Stage" concept inspires the vantage point through which we examine the film. In turn, our aim is to reflect the gaze back onto the viewer, begging the question, "Who am I living for?" and therefore taking the first step towards true autonomy.Incentives
$10
Alexander Hamilton
Thank you for your support!
Sending you creative karma!
A digital copy of Mirrors Movie Poster.
Claimed: 7 of 50
$25
Justin Beliebers
Sending you creative karma!
A digital thank you via social media.
A digital copy of Mirrors movie poster.Claimed: 15 of 50
$50
The Giving Trees
Sending you creative karma!
A thank you via social media.
A hard copy of Mirrors Zine, including the poems and drawings which inspired the film.
A digital postcard-sized movie poster.
Thank you credits in Mirrors.
Claimed: 18 of 100
$100
LINES Ballet Tickets - 6PM
We have 4 tickets available to the Sunday, 11/19, 6PM Alonzo King LINES Ballet Fall Season show: The Propelled Heart in San Francisco.
The first two contributors will receive a pair of tickets. You may keep them for yourself or give them to a friend. (Please use your real name when checking out so we know how to reach you!)
Called a "phenomenal powerhouse" by The New York Times, Ms. Lisa Fischer is a Grammy Award-winning vocalist who has toured and recorded with musical luminaries including Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Mick Jagger, John Scofield, and Beyonce.
She shares the stage with the LINES dancers, her voice impelling their rites of transformation. Standing at the forefront of ballet's evolution, Alonzo King LINES Ballet celebrates 35 years of visionary choreography that has redefined what ballet can be.Last time they had Lisa Fischer, the Sunday shows were completely sold-out!
And, of course, sending you creative karma!
Approx ticket value = $150
Sold Out!
$100
Janet Jackson
Sending you creative karma!
A thank you on social media.
A Poscard sized movie poster via mail.
A hard copy of Mirrors Zine which includes drawings and poetry inspired by the film via mail.
Thank you credits in Mirrors.
Claimed: 8 of 100
$500
Jesus of Nazareth
Sending you creative karma!
A thank you poem from our director and updates on our film process via email.
A thank you on social media.
A Mirrors movie poster via mail signed by Mirrors Team.
A Hard Copy of Mirrors Zine which includes drawings and poetry inspired by the film.
A personalized portrait drawing from our director on the back page of the zine.
Thank you credits in Mirrors.
$1,000
U R The World
No, Seriously your contribution means the world to us. Here is some strong creative karma back to you!
A thank you on social media.
A personalize digital quote from Jacques Lacan, a thank you poem from our Director and updates on our film process via email.
Exclusive, Behind the scenes slide show of the rehearsals behind Mirrors.
A Mirrors movie poster via mail, signed by Mirrors Team.
A Hard Copy of Mirrors Zine which includes drawings and poetry inspired by the film.
A personalized portrait drawing from our director.
Executive Producer Credits in Mirrors.
Subliminal message in the film devoted to you!
Claimed: 3 of 5
$5,000
U R The Universe
NO. Wait stop. Your contribution means the universe to us. Sending you so much creative karma!
A thank you on social media.
A personalize digital quote from Jacques Lacan, a thank you poem from our Director and updates on our film process via email.
Exclusive, Behind the scenes slideshow of the rehearsals behind Mirrors.
A Mirrors movie poster via mail, signed by Mirrors Team.
A Hard Copy of Mirrors Zine which includes drawings and poetry inspired by the film.
A framed personalized portrait drawing from our director.
Executive Producer Credits in Mirrors.
Subliminal message in the film devoted to you!
Claimed: 0 of 3
$15,000
U R The Universe And Beyond
NO. Wait stop. Your contribution means the universe and beyond to us. We are all jumping for joy right now!! Sending you so much creative karma right back to you.
A personalize digital quote from Jacques Lacan, a thank you poem from our Director and updates on our film process via email.
A thank you on social media.
A Mirrors movie poster via mail, signed by Mirrors Team.
A Hard Copy of Mirrors Zine which includes drawings and poetry inspired by the film.
A framed personalized portrait drawing from our director.
Executive Producer Credits in Mirrors.
Subliminal message in the film devoted to you!
You are able to give us one dance move that we must somehow incorporate into the film.
Claimed: 0 of 2
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Alexander Hamilton
Thank you for your support!
Sending you creative karma!
A digital copy of Mirrors Movie Poster.
Claimed: 7 of 50
$25
Justin Beliebers
Sending you creative karma!
A digital thank you via social media.
A digital copy of Mirrors movie poster.Claimed: 15 of 50
$50
The Giving Trees
Sending you creative karma!
A thank you via social media.
A hard copy of Mirrors Zine, including the poems and drawings which inspired the film.
A digital postcard-sized movie poster.
Thank you credits in Mirrors.
Claimed: 18 of 100
$100
LINES Ballet Tickets - 6PM
We have 4 tickets available to the Sunday, 11/19, 6PM Alonzo King LINES Ballet Fall Season show: The Propelled Heart in San Francisco.
The first two contributors will receive a pair of tickets. You may keep them for yourself or give them to a friend. (Please use your real name when checking out so we know how to reach you!)
Called a "phenomenal powerhouse" by The New York Times, Ms. Lisa Fischer is a Grammy Award-winning vocalist who has toured and recorded with musical luminaries including Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Mick Jagger, John Scofield, and Beyonce.
She shares the stage with the LINES dancers, her voice impelling their rites of transformation. Standing at the forefront of ballet's evolution, Alonzo King LINES Ballet celebrates 35 years of visionary choreography that has redefined what ballet can be.Last time they had Lisa Fischer, the Sunday shows were completely sold-out!
And, of course, sending you creative karma!
Approx ticket value = $150
Sold Out!
$100
Janet Jackson
Sending you creative karma!
A thank you on social media.
A Poscard sized movie poster via mail.
A hard copy of Mirrors Zine which includes drawings and poetry inspired by the film via mail.
Thank you credits in Mirrors.
Claimed: 8 of 100
$500
Jesus of Nazareth
Sending you creative karma!
A thank you poem from our director and updates on our film process via email.
A thank you on social media.
A Mirrors movie poster via mail signed by Mirrors Team.
A Hard Copy of Mirrors Zine which includes drawings and poetry inspired by the film.
A personalized portrait drawing from our director on the back page of the zine.
Thank you credits in Mirrors.
$1,000
U R The World
No, Seriously your contribution means the world to us. Here is some strong creative karma back to you!
A thank you on social media.
A personalize digital quote from Jacques Lacan, a thank you poem from our Director and updates on our film process via email.
Exclusive, Behind the scenes slide show of the rehearsals behind Mirrors.
A Mirrors movie poster via mail, signed by Mirrors Team.
A Hard Copy of Mirrors Zine which includes drawings and poetry inspired by the film.
A personalized portrait drawing from our director.
Executive Producer Credits in Mirrors.
Subliminal message in the film devoted to you!
Claimed: 3 of 5
$5,000
U R The Universe
NO. Wait stop. Your contribution means the universe to us. Sending you so much creative karma!
A thank you on social media.
A personalize digital quote from Jacques Lacan, a thank you poem from our Director and updates on our film process via email.
Exclusive, Behind the scenes slideshow of the rehearsals behind Mirrors.
A Mirrors movie poster via mail, signed by Mirrors Team.
A Hard Copy of Mirrors Zine which includes drawings and poetry inspired by the film.
A framed personalized portrait drawing from our director.
Executive Producer Credits in Mirrors.
Subliminal message in the film devoted to you!
Claimed: 0 of 3
$15,000
U R The Universe And Beyond
NO. Wait stop. Your contribution means the universe and beyond to us. We are all jumping for joy right now!! Sending you so much creative karma right back to you.
A personalize digital quote from Jacques Lacan, a thank you poem from our Director and updates on our film process via email.
A thank you on social media.
A Mirrors movie poster via mail, signed by Mirrors Team.
A Hard Copy of Mirrors Zine which includes drawings and poetry inspired by the film.
A framed personalized portrait drawing from our director.
Executive Producer Credits in Mirrors.
Subliminal message in the film devoted to you!
You are able to give us one dance move that we must somehow incorporate into the film.
Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Meredith Webster, Dancer. Meredith became the Ballet Master at Alonzo King Lines Ballet in San Francisco after dancing as a member of the company for nine seasons. She is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award. She recently wrapped a duet project entitled Empress Archer, which she co-directed and performed with Ariel Freedman, produced by The Cambrians of Chicago. Previous work includes Spectrum Dance Theater, Ledoh/SaltFarm, Maureen Whiting Dance, and Prism Dance Theatre. Meredith holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Washington. She has taught dance around the world and contributed as a writer to Pointe, Dance Spirit, and Conversations' publications.
Ward Sorrick, Producer. After 5-plus years of experience in the film and video production industry, Ward continues to bring unbridled enthusiasm, professionalism, and leadership to every project. His background in engineering, sales and management distinguish him as a producer with meticulous attention-to-detail, effective communication, and reliable execution. In his journey to become the best producer he can be, Ward has also explored both acting and directing. He studied the Meisner technique at the Waterfront Playhouse, comedy improv at The Groundlings, and scene study at Lesly Kahn & Company. Ward hopes to continue working with ambitious, visionary filmmakers who are keeping pace with the evolving landscape of storytelling.
Genesis Diaz, Co-Producer and Assistant Director. With a passion for storytelling Genesis depicts themes of connection, adventure, culture, and discovery. After studying at UCLA film school, where her natural leadership and love of film came together with technical skills and professional coaching, Genesis moved to Los Angeles and began her journey as a filmmaker and creative in this dynamic industry. In all of her work, there is a commitment to a dream-like aesthetic and a social awareness that connects the conscious with the subconscious, the inner emotional world with the outer human experience.
Ian Boisvert, Co-writer. Ian Boisvert is an actor, writer, and director who works in Europe and the US. His films have screened at Cannes Court Métrage, Raindance Film Festival and prestigious festivals in Paris, LA, NYC and Berlin. He is currently filming in Europe.
Mary Marxen, Writer/Director. After a spiritual experience at a Hindu Ashram five years ago, Mary put her painting and drawing career on hold and follow her passion for acting. After graduating from an acting program in Berkeley, she received acceptance into the William Esper Studio in New York City. She now calls the big apple home and has performed in numerous stage productions and independent films around the Bay Area and New York. Mary's writing was featured and performed at such venues as StageWerx in San Francisco for August 2017 Action Fiction! performance series, Waterfront Playhouse and Conservatory in Berkeley, California, and The Alchemical Theater Lab in New York. She co-produced the web series, The Queens Luxury Oasis. In 2016, she co-created a woman's writing group, The Seven Sisters, which supports women in pursuit of writing and producing their own material.
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