Russia has accused Hollywood of criticizing Russia at the behest of the intelligence services
Alexei Shevtsov, Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council, claimed that the Western film industry is allegedly closely linked to U.S. intelligence agencies, the Pentagon, and the State Department.
Speaking at a session on cinema during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, he accused Western films of distorting the history of Russia and the CIS countries.
According to Shevtsov, cinema is allegedly used to foster a negative attitude toward Russia and the Russian language, as well as to provoke interethnic hostility.
These statements came amid increased control over film, video, and music content in Russia. In particular, the State Duma is considering a bill that would ban the issuance of distribution certificates to foreign films if, in the authorities’ opinion, they create “offensive stereotypes” about Russians or contain a “discrediting” portrayal of Russia, the KGB, or the Russian Armed Forces.
One of the authors of the initiative, MP Yevgeny Marchenko, had previously proposed banning the screening of a number of Hollywood films and TV series, including "Rambo" and "The Sopranos," claiming that they create negative portrayals of Russia and Russians.
