Maya Deren was an influential American filmmaker and a key figure in the avant-garde cinema movement during the 1940s and 1950s. Born on April 29, 1917, in Kiev, Ukraine, she emigrated to the United States as a child. Deren is best known for her experimental short films, such as Meshes of the Afternoon, which explore themes of identity, dreams, and the subconscious. In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Deren was also a writer and a film theorist. She played a significant role in promoting independent cinema and was involved in the American Film Institute. Deren's innovative techniques and artistic vision have left a lasting impact on the world of experimental film.