Mark Judge and the Anti-Communist Film Festival
Journalist Mark Judge is at the forefront of launching an anti-communist film festival in Washington, D.C. This comes during a time when concerns over socialism are growing, especially with the rise of New York’s Democratic mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani. Judge, who is known for his book Devil’s Triangle, addresses his past experiences at the confirmation hearing of Brett Kavanaugh while reflecting on this initiative.
“It was during the anti-communist film festival,” Judge remarked, referring to the event. The festival aims to highlight the struggles conservatives face regarding representation in Hollywood, noting that for years they have criticized the industry’s lack of support for films that promote freedom and expose the dangers of socialism. This festival is seen as a direct response to those concerns.
Since its announcement, the festival has stirred significant interest on social media, with various commentators, including actor Nick Searcy, expressing their enthusiasm.
In an interview, Judge emphasized that while Hollywood might not focus on anti-communist films these days, there are still notable works that deserve recognition, such as Other People’s Lives (2006), Dr. Zhivago (1965), and My Son John (1952).
Why has Hollywood largely ignored anti-communist films?
Judge believes it’s because many in Hollywood are sympathetic to communist ideals. He pointed to a recent Criterion channel series called “Film Noir and the Blacklist,” which reflects Hollywood’s tendency to highlight the McCarthy era while overlooking the political allegiances of various filmmakers. For instance, he discussed the 1959 film Odds Against Tomorrow, starring Harry Belafonte, who had openly supported leftist causes, even visiting East Germany for concerts that promoted communism. In his memoirs, Belafonte revealed his firm connections to leftist leaders and ideas.
The screenwriter for Odds Against Tomorrow, Abraham Polonsky, was an avowed communist as well, having faced scrutiny during the McCarthy hearings. His reflections on the early days of the Committee for the First Amendment illustrate a commitment to communist organizing within Hollywood.
Is controversy driving interest in anti-communist films?
Judge emphasizes that great craftsmanship and storytelling are essential. For example, he believes Other People’s Lives is a standout for its compelling narrative and performances. He has found that films often relegated to obscurity, like I Was a Communist for the FBI, actually possess significant merit.
Why hold this festival now?
Judge argues that the festival addresses longstanding complaints from conservatives about Hollywood’s leftist bias. Having attended film festivals for years—his fond memories include working in a beautifully restored cinema—he’s seen the appeal of organizing something that showcases older films, especially when modern projects come with hefty price tags. He believes that assembling a collection of classic films and hosting a vibrant gathering is both feasible and timely. Last year, he participated in the Irish Film Festival, noting the joyful atmosphere and opportunity it provided for diverse film lovers, which he hopes to replicate.
What are the festival’s goals?
Ultimately, Judge hopes the festival will unite people over shared interests, showcasing films like Other People’s Lives and I Was a Communist for the FBI, while also including humor with films such as The Insurmountable Lightness of Being. The objective is to remind attendees of communism’s darker aspects while enjoying the experience together—a fitting idea for today’s climate and a way to rally those who cherish freedom over a night of film, food, and camaraderie.
Updates on the festival will be shared as Judge continues to prepare for the event in the coming months.
