Socialism on Film: “See The Other Side of The World”

RARE FILM FOOTAGE DIGITISED FROM THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE NATIONAL ARCHIVE

View the world through a communist lens – rare film footage from the twentieth century forms a new unrivalled collection enabling comparative global research: Socialism on Film: The Cold War and International Propaganda.

Unique in nature and scope, this Adam Matthew collection provides access to previously unseen footage captured by film makers from the USSR, Vietnam, Cuba, China, East Germany, Eastern Europe and more. Made up of documentary films, features and newsreels, the footage gives a rare glimpse into all aspects of socialist life.

“A very important opportunity for teachers of propaganda
and the twentieth century, it is a unique visual record”
JO FOX, PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, DURHAM UNIVERSITY

Providing a counter-view to Western perceptions of communist states and their actions, the films illuminate how socialist countries saw themselves and the world around them during major political and social events of the twentieth century.

Students and scholars can now watch first-hand the Soviet fears on President Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ defence initiative; witness interviews with imprisoned American pilots shot down and captured over Vietnam in Pilots in Pyjamas, see Vanessa Redgrave’s emotional response to nuclear testing in The Nuclear Plague, and access footage previously banned from general release in Britain.

In partnership with the BFI National Archive, the films have been digitised from original film reels acquired by British communist, Stanley Forman, from his personal contacts within the socialist world. This is the largest collection of its kind to survive in Western Europe. Previously shown in private screenings by political groups and other interested parties, the footage is now fully transcribed and searchable through a single interface.

“We’re pleased to bring new research opportunities through this
 important collection of rare film footage from the twentieth century, now digitised and made available to new audiences in partnership with Adam Matthew Digital.”
GABRIELE POPP, HEAD OF COLLECTIONS AND INFORMATION, BFI NATIONAL ARCHIVE

Released over three modules, Socialism on Film, Module I: Wars and Revolutions is available now – watch the trailer here. For a free 30-day trial or more information, contact info@amdigital.co.uk.