THE CINEMA OF MARIA NOVARO Writer-director María Novaro emerged during the 1990s as a major figure in the rebirth of Mexican cinema. Beginning with Lola (1989) and Danzón (1991), she created a series of complex women protagonists struggling with issues of identity, family, and empowerment. In this first book-length English language examination of her career, film historian James Stratton reveals the thematic and stylistic consistencies that link the individual films, each of which is given a free-ranging critical analysis. A detailed biographical profile identifies Novaro's major artistic influences and places her within the context of Mexican culture overall. Richly illustrated, deftly written, and insightful, The Cinema of María Novaro will attract not only film scholars but also casual readers encountering Novaro's distinctive work for the first time. James Stratton is the author of several books about films and filmmakers and lives in southern California.