Jonas Mekas

Jonas Mekas was a Lithuanian-born filmmaker, poet, and artist recognized as a pioneering figure in independent and experimental cinema. Emigrating to the United States in the 1940s, he documented everyday life and personal experiences through diaristic films, capturing moments with a poetic and intuitive approach. As a vital supporter of avant-garde art, he co-founded the Anthology Film Archives in New York, fostering the growth of experimental film. Mekas's work deeply influenced the documentary genre, emphasizing personal storytelling and visual poetry, making him a key figure in both film history and the broader arts community.