Last week, the European Leadership Network (ELN) and its esteemed partners came together to host a special screening of Christopher Nolan’s latest thought-provoking masterpiece – ‘Oppenheimer’, a cinematic experience that delves into the harrowing tale of the atomic bomb, nuclear arms races, and the profound dilemmas attached to both.
The Podcast Guys were delighted to attend and cover this extraordinary event which was held at London’s Battersea Power Station cinema.
What is ELN and Why Oppenheimer?
The European Leadership Network (ELN) is an organisation that passionately addresses the most pressing threats to global security, focusing on existential threats and challenges like the loss of cohesion between states, the dangers of unintended war, risks from new military technologies, and the urgent need for dialogue and arms control.
Their decision to host this particular screening of “Oppenheimer” underscored the significance of the film’s subject matter in the context of today’s world.
The event was made possible by the collaborative efforts of Pax Sapiens and Open Nuclear Network, with the generous support of ELN, RUSI, Ploughshares Fund, School of International Futures, The Elders, and Vertic. This partnership ensured that the screening was a resounding success, attracting some of the brightest minds in the field of nuclear policy and existential threats.
The Value of Capturing Podcast Moments
The whole day was covered by The Podcast Guys team alongside the NEVER Podcast team from ELN.
Podcast interviews, as well as a tremendous pre-screening panel, added an exciting dimension to the screening, elevating it from a mere viewing to a unique and engaging experience.
Prior to the screening, the audience was treated to a captivating panel discussion hosted by Director of the Open Nuclear Network, Andreas Persbo. The panel featured distinguished personalities such as Chair of The Elders and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, Defence Editor at The Economist, Shashank Joshi and Future Generations Global Ambassador, Marcela Capaja.
The panel discussion set a profound historical context, exploring the stark differences between the era of 1945 in comparison to the challenges faced in 2023.
As the lights dimmed and the film began to unfold, the audience was drawn into a mesmerising journey through the story of Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb, with the film navigating the complex web of moral dilemmas surrounding these momentous events, leaving the audience in stunned silence as the credits rolled.
Throughout the event, The Podcast Guys and the NEVER/ELN podcast teams were hard at work recording exclusive interviews both before and after the screening.
The pre-screening interviews captured the expectations and hopes of attendees, emphasising the global impact they envisaged the film to have. These interviews provided fascinating insights into the thoughts and perspectives of experts and enthusiasts alike, setting the stage for the cinematic experience to come.
After the film, the post-screening interviews truly came to life. Attendees had the opportunity to share their emotions and reflections, providing a powerful and authentic glimpse into the impact of ‘Oppenheimer’. These interviews underscored the importance of public exposure to such a critical priority and the role of cinema in raising awareness about global challenges.
An Event That Stays With You
As the echoes of the screening continue to resonate, we are reminded of the power of cinema and podcasts to engage, educate, and inspire change.
Events like these serve as a poignant reminder that we must collectively work towards a more peaceful and secure world, where the lessons of the past can guide us to a brighter and safer future.
Time to switch lanes and go to see Barbie.
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