from Strange Girls

Based in the cement-paved streets of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, there stands twin girls, who have developed a personal language, walk in silent synchronization, and seem zombie-like to the outside world in their forming of "two bodies-one mind". With anxiety-driven internal dialogue that lives inside of their shared mind, the tone mirrors the intensity of Nancy Meckler's, *Sister My Sister. *When alone, the twins indulge in fantasy, play, and mail order "DIY" cults. Attempts to separate the girls upon their dismissal from the local mental institution result in the death of anyone who dares to stand in their way. The film climaxes (in place of actual orgasms) on the brink of an uncontrolled sexual appetite that disrupts their internal bond.

Jordona Berliner and Andre Delawrence Rice

Window side and coffee in hand -with room for milk- at the East Houston Whole Foods cafe, Mark counted down, from the budget of $125,000, to a leading cast of 10, and finally a bunch of crew. Mark alluded to the crux of independent filmmaking: "What it takes? I charged half on my credit card, a practical nervous breakdown, and 5 years of production..." This all while most of her friends are off buying houses and having babies.

Out of Columbia University's film in 2000, *Strange Girls *is Mark's first feature. A horror film aficionado, Mark was able to truly contextualize horror by developing characters with back-story before they die, contrary to the traditional random killing of horror classics. Instead, tradition was rich in its gruesome plot twists and classic motifs. Mark's inclination to fulfill her dream seemed to marvel in her eye's deepest center when she blurted out, "I really just wanted to film a trepanation scene!" See if you can find the gross nature of John Waters, or the gallows humor of Hitchcock. 'Do It Yourself' or with a friend; unveil the many instances of "strange" in *Strange Girls*?

from Strange Girls

Strange Girls is holding it's New York premier at the Anthology Film Archives, Tuesday, July 22nd at 8:15pm as part of the New Filmmakers Series. Bring a date. I'll be there!