NOVA ‘78

NOVA ‘78 - MIMO 2026

*NOVA ’78* revisits the legendary New Convention, held in New York in 1978, a historic counterculture gathering that brought together figures such as William S. Burroughs, Patti Smith, Frank Zappa, Anne Waldman, John Cage, Laurie Anderson, Merce Cunningham, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, among many others. With original music by Tigerman, the documentary delves into the creative and radical universe of 1970s New York, crossing underground art, poetry, experimental music and alternative culture. Built from rare archival images and restored unseen material, the film recovers the spirit of an era marked by artistic freedom, experimentation and cultural reinvention. Between performances, readings, debates and behind-the-scenes moments, it reveals a vibrant portrait of a generation that profoundly transformed contemporary creation. Opening film of the 25th edition of *Doc Fortnight*, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA), *NOVA ’78* had its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival.