The FBI is attempting to obtain raw footage from the documentary “Men of War,” which tells the story of Jordan Goudreau, a former Green Beret accused of leading a failed 2020 coup in Venezuela. Co-director Jen Gatien is vowing to resist the bureau’s request.
The film explores Goudreau’s efforts to organize a militia to overthrow Nicolás Maduro. The FBI wants access to the interviews and materials collected during the film’s production.
MEN OF WAR, directed by Jen Gatien & Billy Corben.
This gripping documentary dives into the failed 2020 Venezuela coup led by ex-Green Beret Jordan Goudreau. Watch it at #DXIFF, Nov 7-10 in D.C. https://t.co/M46IL8jnCq pic.twitter.com/hiOciN75cW
— Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival & Symp (@DX_IFF) October 15, 2024
“They want everything I filmed, but they have no right to it,” Gatien said. “This is protected under journalistic privilege.”
Goudreau, who earned multiple medals during his military service, was charged in July with exporting unlicensed weapons. Prosecutors allege the weapons were intended for use in the coup plot, a claim Goudreau denies.
This is the alleged $212 million contract Juan Guaido signed with US mercenary Jordan Goudreau to execute a military coup against Venezuela’s elected govt. Goudreau has said the funding came from VZLA exiles in the US, but complained he wasn’t paid. https://t.co/0TN65mHXdE pic.twitter.com/NAFPGF0wPA
— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) May 4, 2020
In Venezuelan custody, ex-Green Beret and Silvercorp mercenary Luke Denman confirms contract with Juan Guaido, says plan was to kidnap Venezuelan Pres. Maduro and fly him to the US as a captive #BayOfPiglets pic.twitter.com/hg46mbBfRz
— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) May 6, 2020
The filmmaker’s refusal to comply has drawn praise from legal experts. “Journalists should never be forced to assist in legal cases against their sources,” said First Amendment lawyer Mark Rasch.
Despite the pressure, Gatien remains committed to defending her work. “This footage is not evidence for the FBI to use,” she said. “My responsibility is to the integrity of my film and the protection of journalistic principles.”
