Cold War Summer

Spies! Conspiracy! Defectors! East Berlin! 

The Cold War set the stage for many of the best films about the art of spying. Why is that? In simple terms, the Cold War was an extremely complex time! For the Western Bloc, the threat of the Soviet Union and communism struck fear in the hearts of millions. For the Eastern Bloc, NATO imperialism would lead to continued devastation of the "motherland” and inhibit economic revolution. 

Nuclear war felt imminent. Lasting from 1947 to 1991, the Cold War set the stage for other world conflicts including (but certainly not limited to) the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. Meanwhile, nations are paranoid and espionage becomes the proxy war happening behind closed doors. 

The films featured in this series look specifically at the art of spycraft during the Cold War. It’s a tribute to the spies, secret agents, moles, and international men (and women) of mystery who saved us from nuclear winter. Some of the films are more accurate depictions of the era, such as The Lives of Others, The Manchurian Candidate, and The Ipcress File. Others offer a more fantastical and contemporary vision like Atomic Blonde. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery is a parody and love letter to the spy craze of the swinging ’60s. Goldeneye closes our series in an explosive way as the first James Bond film set in a post-Cold War conflict, yet shadows of the Iron Curtain remain. 

Embark on this secret mission to discover what makes the Cold War and spy films so alluring and capture our imagination. Is it the hidden worlds waiting behind a bookcase when you pull War and Peace from its nook? Is it the political intrigue wrapped in conspiracy? Maybe they depict our current diplomatic reality? Let’s answer these questions together during this thrilling 6-film series. Grab your passport, put on a disguise, and join me, Carson Rennekamp, SIFF Development and Membership Manager, on a mission where nothing is what it seems and excitement is around every corner. 

Each film will be accompanied by a pre-film program, an in-person introduction, and a prize giveaway. 

After the film, join us across the street at Rich Rich for 10% off your order.