A few years ago we proposed that "social justice noirs" be programmed as free shows as part of a protest against Donald Trump's "ascension" into the White House. As we move toward 2022 and a still-uncertain rendezvous with political destiny, one can hope that the rumors that a more fully-blown festival of this type will actually emerge from the FNF are true, and that they will resist the easy action of reverting to a "comfort food" approach for film noir (as was just demonstrated in Los Angeles this past weekend: yes, there are some mitigating circumstances to consider, but a larger, more encompassing and inclusive approach to noir needs to emerge to give it its due).
As for the hard-boiled paradigm, the best thing that can be done to alleviate Dan's ongoing frustration is for an organization with influence to afford his research about spy noir a platform in front of the public. The FNF has the most resources and is at less risk financially and otherwise: they should take it upon themselves to develop a series delving into Dan's area of discovery at a level of detail that could be simultaneously entertaining and educational.
I invite Dan to post a list of "spy noir" films that would fit into a comprehensive, 25-28 film "NC style" festival lineup, so that the lurkers can see just how they might create a series that would open as many eyes about a key aspect of film noir origins as any that they've ever done. Given the FNF prexy’s efforts to carve out a notion of “silent noir,” such a list probably should at least reach back to Fritz Lang’s SPIONE for an origin point. Additionally, some big-name films like NOTORIOUS need to be included to ensure that audiences will attend, but I don't think that such a consideration would compromise matters.
Sure, chances are slim that the famous folk are going to be sufficiently receptive (egos, etc.) but we must try to impart the notion that noir festivals really need to be more like NC 18, and they should be that way more consistently and more often. "Spy noir" fits that profile perfectly...and that's particularly the case, Dan, if you're willing to include THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD and THE IPCRESS FILE as your closing day double bill! :-)
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