The American Film Institute and the Cultural Politics of Experimental and Independent Cinema Gracia Ramirez 9781666928075

This book examines the role that the American Film Institute (AFI) had in supporting experimental and independent cinema at a key moment of change in the history of American film. Weaving a rich historical narrative, Ramirez argues that the Cold War struggle for cultural supremacy motivated the creation of the federally-funded AFI. Exploring the intersection of business interests and political objectives, Ramirez demonstrates how the AFI's approach to experimental and independent cinema was marked by an interest in promoting innovative aesthetics and protecting the creative freedom of filmmakers but lacked the attention to distribution and exhibition that would strengthen the viability of experimental and independent filmmaking as professional practices. Scholars of film, history, and American studies will find this work particularly useful.

Gracia Ramirez is senior lecturer in film and screen studies at University of the Arts London.

By means of meticulous archival research Gracia Ramirez rewrites a key period of American independent and experimental film. She depicts in detail both the forerunners for the American Film Institute and its coming into being, connecting institutions, persons, and policies. This important study shows not only how behind every independent film and filmmaker there is a web of institutions and policy-makers, but also how these are part of both national and international American political aspirations. The American Film Institute and the Cultural Politics of Experimental and Independent Cinema constitutes essential reading for everyone interested in the history of American experimental film and cultural policy in general.