As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty
Line up: Jonas Mekas | 2000 | United States | 288’ | English, no subtitles

A deeply personal exploration of time passing through the lens of one of the most acclaimed American avant-garde directors. Often considered one of the most influential films in the whole of cinematic history.

A Lithuanian-born filmmaker presents the raw and sincere footage from his time in New York City, paying close attention to all of the simple beauties and pleasures that we encounter on our way through life. Brief smiles, familiar faces, crowded rooms, mundane activities, small cats, and dried flowers. Things that get lost in the everyday are brought to the spotlight here, things that we somewhat deprive of their solemnity.

Mekas manages to encapsulate roughly 30 years of his life in 12 chapters of this masterpiece. Dynamic cuts contrasted with his calm and poetic narration make this film exceptionally engaging and vital. One might say that nothing really happens in this film, yet we see life unfolding before our eyes. After all, sometimes fleeting moments affect us more than something sustained.