A propaganda network has come under scrutiny for its role in fomenting anti-Israel protests and distributing a one-sided documentary. The propaganda network centers on BreakThrough Media and affiliated nonprofits funded by CCP-linked (Chinese Communist Party) mogul Neville Roy Singham, according to a Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) report.
The documentary in question, The Encampments, produced by BreakThrough Media in collaboration with Watermelon Pictures, portrays the 2024 Columbia University Gaza solidarity encampment as a heroic struggle. Apple TV+ markets it as an “insider look” into a “historic moment.” The film features organizers like Mahmoud Khalil and Sueda Polat, painting their movement as a fight against “genocide,” yet glosses over links to Hamas and extreme rhetoric by student leaders.
BreakThrough Media functions as the media arm of The People’s Forum, part of Singham’s network. NCRI found The People’s Forum and BreakThrough Media shared offices and funding exceeding $1.4 million as of 2023. These organizations back anti-Israel protests across universities under the “Shut It Down for Palestine” (SID4P) coalition, identified as central to CCP’s influence campaign promoting anti-capitalist and anti-American messaging.
The network intentionally exploits U.S. nonprofit loopholes, channelling significant funds into disruptive campus activism. NCRI reveals this activity aims not just to protest Israel, but to destabilize American institutions.
Critics warn The Encampments furthers this agenda by framing student activists as champions of “justice,” while omitting their praise for Hamas and refusal to acknowledge anti-Semitic elements. Additionally, Apple’s distribution extends the film’s influence under the guise of mainstream documentary—with co-direction by BreakThrough’s own Kei Pritsker.
Some student leaders, such as Grant Miner and Sueda Polat, are presented sympathetically despite involvement in divisive actions. The narrative conveniently avoids their support for violent resistance and statements like “violence is the only path forward.”
