"In the play-within-the-play tradition, 'An Independent Portrait' eerily penetrates the dimensional shift that goes into creation. Film-maker Robert Young reminisces over his independent portrayals (shown in the movie), while oil portraitist Félix de la Concha depicts his face on a canvas. José Muniain observes the entire process from behind his camera, including the surprise Young gets when seeing himself through the eyes of a fellow artist. The viewer, in turn, has the privilege of watching it all develop - or is he too being observed? This Goedelesque aspect of the work is ideal for students to reflect on the nature of representation and its political consequences. A carefully crafted gem that has subtle philosophy spring out of deep aesthetics."

Juan Uriagereka Professor of Linguistics The University of Maryland