No one who has sat through this trial can ever forget. The sterilization of men because of their political beliefs... The murder of children... How easily that can happen! There are those in our country today, too, who speak of the "protection" of the country. Of "survival". The answer to that is: survival as what? A country isn't a rock. And it isn't an extension of one's self. It's what it stands for, when standing for something is the most difficult!* Before the people of the world - let it now be noted in our decision here that this is what *we* stand for: *justice, truth... and the value of a single human being!"

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

 

 

About

Why Politics on Film?

Film is the most prolific form of storytelling of our time. It is a medium that can draw people to watch, listen and learn about topics that might never compel them to pick up a book or a magazine. Our nation’s politics, policy struggles and stories are frequently the basis and inspiration for movies. Surprisingly, although many film festivals focus on very narrow policy/political themes like the Environmental Film Festival or the Conservative Film Festival there is no festival devoted to showcasing film dealing with political subject matter more broadly. And there is no greater place to house such a festival than the nation’s capital.

What is a “political” film?

Politics on Film takes a broad perspective on what constitutes a “political” film.
Our definition for qualifying entries is:

Politics on Film screens Washington premieres of films dealing with either political or issue/policy-oriented subject matter irrespective of genre, which could encompass drama, thriller/suspense, comedy/satire or biography/historical. Any film focused on or set around government – federal, state or local; government agencies; political campaigns and elections; public policy or social issues such as (but not limited to) health care, taxation, welfare, education, agricultural policy, energy supply and policy, trade, human rights or foreign aid programs; defense, war or foreign affairs; advocacy or civic movements; either contemporary or historical in nature will be considered.

Mission Statement

Politics on Film is a project of the Washington Political Film Foundation and is made possible by an alliance with the Bipartisan Policy Center. It is an annual, bipartisan film festival based in Washington DC dedicated to providing a platform for films that tell stories of America’s politics and policies. The festival celebrates the power of film to educate and motivate, as well as entertain. The Festival also celebrates the historic and ongoing legacy of films about American government and democracy, as well as related stories and themes from an international perspective.

Founding Partners