The Propaganda Game

The Propaganda Game is a 2015 Spanish documentary film directed and produced by Álvaro Longoria. The film offers a rare, inside look at the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, exploring the mechanisms of state-controlled information and the perspectives of both its citizens and foreign observers. It centers on the activities of Alejandro Cao de Benós, a Spanish-born special delegate for the Korean Friendship Association, who serves as the filmmaker's guide. The documentary premiered at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and sparked international debate for its nuanced portrayal of one of the world's most isolated nations.

Overview

The documentary follows director Álvaro Longoria as he gains unprecedented access to North Korea under the supervision of Alejandro Cao de Benós. Through this lens, the film presents meticulously staged displays of national achievement, including mass games at the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium and visits to monuments like the Grand People's Study House. It contrasts these orchestrated views with interviews featuring former detainees such as Kenneth Bae and insights from international figures like Michael Kirby of the United Nations commission of inquiry. The structure deliberately juxtaposes the state's narrative with external critiques, examining cities like Pyongyang and the Demilitarized Zone to question the nature of truth and perception.

Production

The project was initiated by Álvaro Longoria and his production company Morena Films, following his earlier work on documentaries like *The Sugar Babies*. Securing access required negotiations through the Korean Friendship Association and the approval of North Korean authorities, a process facilitated by Alejandro Cao de Benós. Cinematography was handled by Longoria himself, operating under significant restrictions that limited filming to approved locations and subjects. Editor Vanessa Marimbert worked to assemble the footage, which was shot over multiple visits, balancing the provided access with archival material and external testimonies to create a coherent narrative.

Release and reception

*The Propaganda Game* had its world premiere at the San Sebastián International Film Festival in September 2015. It subsequently screened at other international festivals, including the Zurich Film Festival, before a limited theatrical release in several European countries. Critical reception was mixed; publications like *The Guardian* noted its unique perspective, while others criticized its approach for potentially legitimizing the Kim dynasty regime. Reviewers often compared it to other documentaries about North Korea, such as *The Red Chapel* by Mads Brügger. The film was later distributed on platforms like Netflix, broadening its global audience significantly.

Themes and analysis

The film's central theme is the construction and maintenance of political reality through media control, a concept it explores by contrasting the Juche ideology promoted in Pyongyang with external reports from organizations like Amnesty International. It analyzes the role of figures like Alejandro Cao de Benós as ideological ambassadors and examines the state's use of symbols, including the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun and imagery of leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. The documentary also delves into the psychological dimensions of propaganda, questioning the line between indoctrination and belief, and references historical contexts like the Korean War and the Arirang Festival as tools for national narrative.

Impact and legacy

The documentary contributed to ongoing global discourse about information control and the isolation of North Korea, offering a case study for analysts and scholars studying regimes like those in Cuba or the former Soviet Union. It brought increased attention to the activities of the Korean Friendship Association and figures such as Alejandro Cao de Benós. While not leading to direct political change, the film remains a frequently cited reference in discussions about documentary ethics, access journalism, and the challenges of portraying closed societies, influencing subsequent works on similar subjects.

Category:2015 films Category:Spanish documentary films Category:Films about North Korea