In April-May 2024, the Alexey Navalny YouTube channel aired the series “Traitors,” created by Maria Pevchikh, the head of the investigation department of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). This series explores topics such as the 1996 elections, the era of oligarchs, and the transition of power to Vladimir Putin in Russia. The series has garnered millions of views and incorporates footage from documentaries by various directors, including Alexander Gentelev.
The lack of credits for the authors of the materials used in the first two episodes of “Traitors,” including footage from Gentelev’s documentary “Oligarchs,” raised concerns among viewers and commentators. It wasn’t until the release of the third episode that proper credit was given, after public backlash and demand for acknowledgment of the original sources.
Vera Krichevskaya, a TV director and producer whose work was used in the series, expressed her disappointment at the lack of communication and proper acknowledgment from the FBK team. She highlighted the unique and valuable nature of Gentelev’s archives and emphasized the importance of respecting copyright and intellectual property rights.
Tanya Genteleva, the widow of Alexander Gentelev, also shared her experience of discovering her late husband’s footage being used without permission in the series. She described the emotional significance of Gentelev’s work and the impact it had on their family. Despite attempts to contact Maria Pevchikh, there was a lack of satisfactory explanation or resolution regarding the unauthorized use of Gentelev’s materials.
The controversy surrounding the use of copyrighted materials in “Traitors” raises questions about ethics, intellectual property rights, and the responsibilities of creators to respect the work of others. Both Krichevskaya and Genteleva expressed their concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the production of the series, highlighting the need for proper attribution and permission when using external materials.