I Am Maris: Portrait of a Young Yogi

Name: I Am Maris: Portrait of a Young Yogi
Director: Laura VanZee Taylor
Released: 2018

Laura VanZee Taylor 2018

Tormented by mental illness and hospitalized for life-threatening anorexia nervosa, a teenage girl confronts her buried emotions through yoga. Maris’s story is told in her own words and those of her friends, parents, and therapist. Her journey from despair to self-acceptance is illustrated through vivid animation based on her haunting artwork and writing. Using her authentic voice, Maris becomes an inspiration to girls and women of all ages through her writing and teaching. She learns that her mental illness is merely one part of her – a lifelong struggle but one that also gives her strength and empathy.

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Running Time:

54 min.

Spoken Languages:

English

Subtitles:

English

Directors:

Laura VanZee Taylor

Producers:

Ariana Garfinkel, Laura VanZee Taylor

Cinematographers:

Laura VanZee Taylor

Editors:

Laura VanZee Taylor

Press

East Bay Times

Don’t be skeptical of this doc’s brief 54-minute running time, “Maris” is vital, serving as beacon of hope for countless teens and adults struggling through mental illness.

Randy Myers

Festival Participation

Mill Valley Film Festival - 2018
Ashland Independent Film Festival - 2018
Official Selection
KC (Kansas City) FilmFest International - 2018
Official Select

Additional Materials

Distribution Company

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