The FBI is seeking hours of footage from the documentary “Men of War,” which tells the story of Jordan Goudreau, a former Green Beret accused of attempting to overthrow Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Filmmaker Jen Gatien is preparing to challenge the bureau’s efforts to obtain her work.

The film, which premiered at a Washington, DC, film festival, details Goudreau’s controversial activities, including his alleged involvement in a 2020 coup plot. Authorities claim Goudreau illegally shipped weapons to support the effort, a charge he denies.

MEN OF WAR, directed by Jen Gatien & Billy Corben.

This gripping documentary dives into the failed 2020 Venezuela coup led by ex-Green Beret Jordan Goudreau. Watch it at #DXIFF, Nov 7-10 in D.C. https://t.co/M46IL8jnCq pic.twitter.com/hiOciN75cW

— Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival & Symp (@DX_IFF) October 15, 2024

“They want to subpoena 100 hours of raw footage,” Gatien said. “That includes everything I filmed during five years of interviews with Jordan and others. They have no legal right to this under journalistic privilege.”

Goudreau, a decorated former soldier, served in the US Army for nearly two decades before forming a private security company in Florida. His alleged role in the coup has been the subject of intense scrutiny. He was arrested earlier this year and charged with violating arms export laws.

Gatien argues that surrendering her footage would violate journalistic ethics and legal protections. “I’m not an agent of the Department of Justice,” she said. “My work is protected by journalistic privilege. This isn’t their evidence to use.”

Legal experts back her stance, with First Amendment lawyer Mark Rasch asserting that such government actions are rare and problematic. “Journalists should not be compelled to assist in prosecutions,” Rasch said.

In Venezuelan custody, ex-Green Beret and Silvercorp mercenary Luke Denman confirms contract with Juan Guaido, says plan was to kidnap Venezuelan Pres. Maduro and fly him to the US as a captive #BayOfPiglets pic.twitter.com/hg46mbBfRz

— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) May 6, 2020

As Goudreau’s trial looms, Gatien remains determined to safeguard her work, stating, “This isn’t just about Jordan; it’s about protecting the principles of journalism.”