What ‘Icarus’ tells us about Russia’s meddling in international affairs: A film screening & discussion

Russia’s state-sanctioned doping program ran from 2011 to 2015, successfully hid 312 positive drug tests from the worldwide anti-doping agency, and effectively corrupted the Olympic games. The documentary “Icarus” explores the government’s role in the scandal and the integrated interests of Russia’s political leaders and its sports establishment. While the film focuses on the doping scandal, it offers viewers context to help them imagine and understand likely scenarios regarding Russia’s attempts to tamper with the American electoral system in 2016.

“Icarus” debuted on Netflix on August 4, 2017 and has been featured at festivals around the world. Exemplifying the special bond between filmmaker and subject, this is a vital portrait of the sacrifice some people will make to stand up for truth.

On Thursday, Oct. 19, the film’s director, Bryan Fogel, visited Washington for a screening of “Icarus” hosted by Governance Studies at Brookings.

After the screening, Fogel joined a panel alongside “Icarus” producer Dan Cogan, Brookings Senior Fellow Benjamin Wittes, Brookings President Strobe Talbott, and The Atlantic’s Julia Ioffe to discuss the similarities between Russia’s doping scandal and compromise of the 2016 U.S. election, as well as the societal implications of these corruptions.