Film ‘Nova ’78’ Featuring Rediscovered Beat Generation Footage Screens in Eugene
A film titled "Nova ’78", which features rediscovered footage of a 1978 convention that united Beat and counterculture figures organized by William S. Burroughs, is being screened at Art House in Eugene.
Eugene, OR, November 12, 2026 — A new film, titled “Nova ’78”, is set to screen at Art House in Eugene, offering audiences a glimpse into a significant cultural event from the late 1970s. The documentary centers on rediscovered footage from a 1978 convention.
This convention was notable for uniting figures associated with the Beat Generation and the broader counterculture movement. The event was organized by the influential writer William S. Burroughs, a key figure in postmodern literature and counterculture advocacy.
The film’s content is derived from recently uncovered film reels, which capture moments from this specific 1978 gathering. The exact details regarding the specific participants beyond the general description of Beat and counterculture figures, or the precise location within Eugene where the convention took place, were not provided in the summary. Similarly, information about the length of the film, its director, or the specific dates of its screening at Art House were not detailed.
The rediscovery and subsequent screening of this footage aim to shed light on a historical convergence of artistic and social movements. William S. Burroughs, known for works such as “Naked Lunch”, was a prominent voice whose influence extended beyond literature into film, philosophy, and social critique. His organization of such a convention underscores the continued relevance of these cultural threads throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
Art House, a venue known for showcasing independent and art-house cinema, will be presenting “Nova ’78”. Further details regarding showtimes and ticket availability would typically be found through the venue’s official channels.
Story summarized from the original created by Savannah Brown on eugeneweekly.com, see more information here.