This is the legend of India's Ramayana as it has never been retold before. Betrothal, betrayal, exile, kidnapping, demonic torment and the whole heroic cycle unfolds while Sita, in the striking voice of 1920s jazz vocalist Annette Hanshaw, sings the blues.

Nina Paley's debut feature deftly interweaves layer upon layer of storytelling and many distinct styles of animation. The joyous geometry of the song and dance sequences, the chorus of quarrelling shadow puppets, the lively collages of Hindu religious pictures and her own quivering autobiography unite into a single story of love, loyalty and betrayal.

Paley has announced her arrival on the international animation scene with a deeply personal all-singing, all-dancing post-Bollywood extravaganza. It's entertaining, it's inspired and Vishnu preserve you if you don't get edified as well.

Nina Paley is a guest of the Festival.