‘Anti-Communism in the Twentieth Century’ – Peter Spence screens ‘The Archive’ with Q&A at QUB conference

Anti-Communism in the Twentieth Century: An International Historical Perspective
Wednesday 29 – Friday 31 May 2019
Queen’s University Belfast

Find the schedule here.

The aim of this conference is to examine the various facets of anti-communism throughout the twentieth century irrespective of focusing on any particular geographical region or limited to a specific sub-field in the study of history. By opening this discussion to scholars researching all types of anti-communism we hope to offer a diverse range of themes which will thus contextualise this topic in the historical narrative. Hence, contributions can range from individual case studies to global histories. All types of historiography and research methodology are welcomed. Potential themes pertaining to anti-communism could include, but are certainly not limited to:

• Cold War, interwar period, world wars  

• Diplomatic and international relations

• Political and party reactions  

• Transnational activities 

• Religious response  

• Biographical accounts and oral histories

• Espionage and covert undertakings  

• Cultural depictions

• Imperial/colonial studies

• National security 

Senior lecturer in Film and Media Production Peter Spence will be screening The Archive with a Q&A session. The Archive tells the incredible story of David Drucker, a lawyer in McCarthy-era America. Employed by the Soviet Union and communist China to broker trade deals with the West, his work quickly brought him to the attention of J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI. Always travelling with a Bolex 16mm camera, David captured stunning footage of newly post-revolution China. However, FBI agents were never far behind, also documenting his every move. While compiled entirely from archive materials, including Drucker’s 16mm footage as well as a de-classified FBI file, the film holds many contemporary relevancies with the America of today.

 

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Peter Spence is a Senior Lecturer in Film and Media Production at Sheffield Hallam University.