NATO Film Meetings Draw Propaganda Claims

The NATO has been holding closed-door meetings with filmmakers and television producers in Europe and the US, drawing criticism that it is seeking to influence the content of films and TV series, The Guardian reported.

The alliance has already held three such meetings, in Los Angeles, Brussels and Paris, and plans another in London in June. The discussions focus on the security situation in Europe and the wider world and are being held without the participants being disclosed.

According to the organizers, the talks have already inspired several projects. NATO says the aim is to explain how the alliance works and to encourage dialogue with the creative sector.

Some filmmakers have criticized the initiative. Irish screenwriter Alan O’Gorman called it “propaganda” and an inappropriate attempt to influence the arts. Other filmmakers have also raised concerns that art could be misused to promote war narratives.

NATO rejects the accusations, saying the meetings are a two-way exchange of views and that the film industry has expressed interest in the talks.

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