Birth of a Nation

The documentary runs for 85 minutes and features contributions from notable figures such as Chantal Akerman, Kenneth Anger, and Stan Brakhage. By assembling 160 portraits and fleeting sketches, Mekas captures the essence of underground cinema from 1955 to 1996.

This film stands out for its fast-paced editing and archival quality, presenting the avant-garde as a distinct "nation of cinema." It highlights a vital community that thrives outside the commercial film landscape.

For collectors, "Birth of a Nation" is available on VHS and DVD formats, making it accessible for those interested in the evolution of independent filmmaking and the artists who shaped its history.