Nato meetings with TV and film-makers prompt claims it is seeking ‘propaganda’
Nato has held closed-door meetings with film and TV professionals in Los Angeles, Brussels, and Paris, with another planned in London, sparking criticism over potential propaganda efforts. Some invited writers have condemned the initiative, arguing it risks using art to promote military agendas and downplays the human cost of Nato-led conflicts. While Nato officials frame the talks as a way to foster understanding of global security, critics warn of moral compromises and the influence of unattributable military narratives on creative work.
- ▪Nato has held three meetings with TV and film professionals in Los Angeles, Brussels, and Paris, with a fourth planned in London.
- ▪The meetings, held under the Chatham House rule, focus on the 'evolving security situation in Europe and beyond' and involve senior Nato officials like James Appathurai.
- ▪A WGGB email stated the meetings have inspired at least three media projects, aiming to convey Nato's message of cooperation and alliances.
- ▪Writer Alan O'Gorman called the initiative 'outrageous' and accused Nato of seeking propaganda through art.
- ▪Screenwriter Faisal A Qureshi expressed concern that creatives might be seduced by the perceived authority of classified military briefings.
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A Nato flag flutters at a military base in Estonia. Photograph: Ints Kalniņš/ReutersView image in fullscreenA Nato flag flutters at a military base in Estonia. Photograph: Ints Kalniņš/ReutersNatoNato meetings with TV and film-makers prompt claims it is seeking ‘propaganda’Exclusive: Two ‘intimate conversations’ held with writers, directors and producers, with a third due in JuneSammy GecsoylerSun 3 May 2026 00.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleNato is holding closed-door meetings with film and TV screenwriters, directors and producers across Europe and the US, the Guardian can reveal, prompting accusations the alliance is seeking to use the arts to generate “propaganda” for the bloc.The alliance has held three meetings with film and TV professionals in Los Angeles, Brussels and…
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