Seeing Red: Stories of American Communists

Showings

TIFF Lightbox 3 Fri, May 3, 2019 1:30 PM
Film Info
Runtime:100
Copyright:1983
Country Listing:USA
Rating:PG
Festival Info
Festival Year:2019
Language:English
Program Category:Outstanding Achievement Retrospective
Film Subjects:America
Politics & Political Intrigue
Labour & Working People
Cast/Crew Info
Director(s):Julia Reichert
Jim Klein
Producer(s):Julia Reichert
Jim Klein
Editor(s):Jim Klein
Julia Reichert
Cinematography:Martin Duckworth
Stephen Lighthill
Sandi Sissel

Description

Made at the height of the right-wing Reagan administration, this documentary about the history of the Communist Party in America from the 1930s to 1950s earned an Oscar nomination and went on to become one of the most widely screened documentaries of the decade. After making Union Maids, Reichert and Klein wanted to further explore the history of Communism in America. This led them to interview members of the party, who reflected on their time agitating for the eight-hour day, union rights and benefits while facing harsh repercussions and state surveillance. Using footage from films of the era to illustrate the power of the "Red Scare," Seeing Red is an invaluable chronicle of an important but often overlooked (or erased) part of American history. Kiva Reardon

Additional Information

  • NOW - 4 Stars, "Essential film about political activism in the United States."