Can the state of contemporary filmmaking in the USA even be captured in a single programme? Can the myriad themes, communities and social conditions be adequately reflected? Of course, the selection for this Focus is subjective, how could it not be? Sure, some things fell through the cracks, other couldn’t be shown, and yet: the 13 feature-length and ten short films, as well as the French contribution to youth days, convey a sense of the variety of US-American cinema. Precarious circumstances are shown alongside the wealth of the upper class, history is examined and the here and now mined for potential, stories of indigenous life are told in poetic and experimental fashion and black and queer perspectives are placed centre-stage. The fissures in American society predate the Trump era, as does the deeply rooted racism that ails the States – a sickness made visible again nationwide thanks to the efforts of the “Black Lives Matter” movement – and the culture is also plagued by the sexism called out by the “Me Too” movement. In spite of all its issues, the USA is still a nation of artistic and social innovation and emancipatory action. And one of creative, uncomfortable, visionary cinema.