The Bad Patriots: Examining Media’s Role in Political Conflict

In a new documentary that challenges conventional notions of patriotism, filmmaker Victor Fraga tackles the systematic silencing of progressive voices through media manipulation in “The Bad Patriots.” This thought-provoking film serves as the second installment in Fraga’s Dirty Media trilogy, following his 2021 release “The Coup d’État Factory.”

The documentary specifically examines the vilification of former UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and renowned filmmaker Ken Loach by British media outlets. Both figures have been consistently labeled as extremists, antisemites, and enemies of the nation—allegations that Fraga suggests stem not from genuine concerns but from their advocacy for working-class interests and challenges to established power structures.

“The real ‘crime’ committed by figures like Corbyn and Loach is questioning the status quo,” Fraga explained in a recent interview. “They represent what I consider true patriotism—caring about fellow citizens—as opposed to jingoistic flag-waving that often passes for patriotism in today’s political landscape.”

Drawing connections between media tactics in Britain, Brazil, and the United States, the documentary reveals a troubling global pattern in how left-wing political figures are systematically undermined through coordinated media campaigns. Fraga, who was born and raised in Brazil before moving to the UK, brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to this analysis.

“The global media habitually paints socialists as dangerous extremists,” Fraga noted. “Most major media organizations are owned by billionaires who fear left-leaning governments might make them pay their fair share of taxes. This dynamic exists across the Western world, with mainstream media generally serving employer interests rather than those of ordinary citizens.”

The film explores how Corbyn, in particular, faced extraordinary opposition from establishment forces. According to Fraga, Corbyn’s overtly socialist views, republican stance, and pro-Palestine advocacy made him a target in Britain’s conservative-leaning media landscape. The filmmaker revealed that Corbyn discussed in the documentary how unnamed army commanders had indicated they would refuse orders from him if he became Prime Minister.

Fraga’s work comes at a critical time when discussions about media ownership, bias, and the nature of public discourse are increasingly prominent. The documentary also examines the role of social media in either reinforcing or challenging dominant narratives.

“Social media platforms are double-edged swords,” Fraga observed. “Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter, now X, the landscape has shifted considerably. Algorithms wield enormous power, as we saw with the Cambridge Analytica scandal. In the UK, alternative news outlets struggle to gain significant influence, unlike in Brazil where independent outlets like Midia Ninja have successfully shifted public perception.”

The filmmaker revealed that “The Bad Patriots” itself has faced censorship attempts, though he declined to provide specific details. This experience seemingly reinforces the documentary’s central thesis about how challenging voices are suppressed within media ecosystems.

While completing this project, Fraga is already working on the trilogy’s final installment, tentatively titled “The Bad Jews.” This upcoming documentary will feature one of Noam Chomsky’s last interviews before his debilitating stroke, examining global media bias through the lens of the renowned linguist and political commentator.

“I was the penultimate person to interview Chomsky before his stroke,” Fraga shared. “The day after our conversation, he emailed me saying, ‘What a lift it was talking to someone sensible.’ That message made me realize the importance of honoring his legacy through this final documentary.”

The UK premiere of “The Bad Patriots” at BFI Southbank on April 29th sold out within three hours, prompting organizers to upgrade to the venue’s largest screening room to accommodate overwhelming public interest—perhaps indicating a growing appetite for critical examination of media narratives.

As media landscapes continue to evolve and fragment, Fraga’s documentary raises essential questions about who controls information flows in democratic societies and how notions of patriotism can be weaponized to silence dissenting voices. By reclaiming the reputations of figures like Corbyn and Loach, “The Bad Patriots” invites viewers to reconsider what genuine patriotism might look like in an age of heightened polarization and media manipulation.