Film
Nova '78
Documentary · 1h 18m · in cinemas from 13 November
Where to see it
5 screenings in 1 city
5 screenings in Brussel
In English with Dutch subtitles, unless marked
Paleis voor Schone Kunsten
- 21:15
About
A documentary about the 1978 Nova Convention in New York, where artists gathered around William S. Burroughs, using long-lost restored footage.
Nova '78 is a documentary about the Nova Convention, held in New York in 1978, where a series of artists came together around the writer William S. Burroughs. The film draws on long-lost 16 mm footage, restored between 2012 and 2024, with archive appearances by Burroughs, Patti Smith, Frank Zappa, Allen Ginsberg, Laurie Anderson, Anne Waldman, Julia Heyward and John Giorno. The convention is presented as a moment from the American counterculture of the 1970s, bringing poetry, music, performance and cinema together. The footage also shows the political fears, the threat of repression and the divisions in American society of that time.
Story written by Evenitto from TMDB and the cinemas' notes
Trailer
Official trailer · TMDBYouTube
Cast and crew
William S. Burroughsas Self (archive footage)
Frank Zappaas Self (archive footage)
Laurie Andersonas Self (archive footage)
Anne Waldmanas Self (archive footage)
Patti Smithas Self (archive footage)- Julia Heywardas Self (archive footage)
John Giornoas Self (archive footage)
Allen Ginsbergas Self (archive footage)
John Cageas Self (archive footage)- Merce Cunninghamas Self (archive footage)
Brion Gysinas Self (archive footage)
Philip Glassas Self (archive footage)
Photos: TMDB
- Director
- Rodrigo Areias, Aaron Brookner
- Written by
- Aaron Brookner
- Countries
- Portugal, United Kingdom
- Studios
- Bando à Parte, Pinball London
Good to know
- Running time
- 1 hour 18 minutes
- Language
- English
- In Belgian cinemas
- From 13 November 2026
Questions
How long is Nova '78?
1 hour 18 minutes. Most cinemas add 15 to 20 minutes of trailers first, so plan for about 1 hour 38 minutes.
Where can I see Nova '78?
There are 5 screenings at 1 cinema in 1 city. Pick your city above for the times.
What language is Nova '78 in?
Nova '78 is in English. A foreign-language film normally plays in its original version with subtitles.
Who is in Nova '78?
William S. Burroughs plays Self (archive footage), with Frank Zappa, Laurie Anderson, Anne Waldman, Patti Smith and Julia Heyward.
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