Abstract:
This article examines whether, and in what way, anti-communism was a factor in the slow
development of an Australian film industry in the 1950s and early 1960s and in the kind of
film culture developed in Australia, particularly through film festivals. In particular it
examines the activities of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) towards
left and liberal filmmakers and film lovers. It briefly examines the effect of anti-communism
on the struggle for Australian content by Actors' Equity in the early years of television.
