 Self-taught as a filmmaker, he made his first full-length film in 1974, and has since that time focused on a wide range of American issues in his films, at present having made 40 long-form films.Jost's work has shown since 1976 in major film festivals around the world.The Museum of Modern Art, NYC, screened a complete retrospective of his work from January 18 to February 19, 1991.