The Toronto International Film Festival plans to screen controversial documentary "Russians at War" today. Scene from the documentary film "Russians at War," is shown in a handout. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-TIFF


September 18, 2024 Tags:

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) showcased the documentary "Russians at War" under heightened security measures, according to festival CEO Cameron Bailey. During Tuesday’s first screening, Bailey shared more details about the threats that delayed the film’s North American debut.

Bailey revealed that while some opposition to the film has been peaceful, TIFF staff faced "terrifying" threats, including emails, phone calls, and verbal abuse. He noted that some of the threats were violent, including threats of sexual violence, leaving the staff horrified and frightened. As a result, the film’s screening was relocated from a multiplex to a more secure venue.

The documentary, which follows Russian soldiers on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine, has sparked backlash, particularly from Ukrainian officials and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. They have labeled the film as "Russian propaganda." Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland criticized the use of public funds for the film, noting it received $340,000 from the Canada Media Fund and was produced in partnership with Ontario’s public broadcaster, TVO. Last week, TVO withdrew its support for the film and canceled plans to broadcast it.

Protesters gathered outside TIFF Lightbox on Tuesday, expressing anger over the decision to screen the film, though many admitted they hadn’t seen it. Anastasia Trofimova, the Russian Canadian filmmaker behind the documentary, denied the accusations of propaganda. She emphasized that the film was made without the Russian government's permission, which puts her at risk. Trofimova also stated her belief that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is unjustified and illegal.

Bailey defended the selection of the film, highlighting its artistic merit and relevance to the ongoing war in Ukraine. He stressed the importance of resisting public or governmental pressure to censor cultural works.

During the screening, a protester briefly disrupted the event, but was quickly removed by security. Following the film, some audience members questioned Trofimova about the lack of historical context regarding the war’s casualties. Trofimova responded that her film focuses on ordinary soldiers caught in the war machine, rather than providing broader context.

While some attendees defended the film against the propaganda accusations, others expressed concern over Trofimova’s previous work with Russia’s state broadcaster, RT. Protesters have vowed to continue opposing the film's screenings at future festivals.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Ukrainian War Documentary ‘2000 Meters To Andriivka’ Gives Raw Glimpse Into Frontline Battle

In the powerful documentary 2000 Meters to Andriivka, filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov immerses us deep inside Ukraine’s ongoing nightmare. The film,....

Netflix Back Online After Global Outage Disrupts Millions

Netflix users worldwide were left frustrated on Thursday after a major outage disrupted streaming services across multiple countries. The glitch,....

Bryan Adams Announces 19 Canadian Concert Dates This Fall

Bryan Adams is hitting the road for a big tour across Canada. The Canadian rock star will perform 19 shows....

Elle Fanning Leads In Predator: Badlands, Out Nov. 2025

The first trailer for Predator: Badlands is finally here. This is the sixth film in the popular Predator series. The....

New Hunger Games Prequel Reveals Lead Cast Members

A new Hunger Games movie is coming soon. It’s called Sunrise on the Reaping. This film will show the younger....

Robert Irwin Announced As The First Celebrity For Dancing With The Stars Season 34

Dancing with the Stars is back with exciting news! The show has announced Robert Irwin as its first celebrity contestant....

"I Know What You Did Last Summer" Sequel Brings Back Horror

The first trailer for I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel has a thrilling twist. Sony released the trailer....

Child Actress Sophie Nyweide Dies At 24, Family Shares Heartbreak

Sophie Nyweide, a young actress known for her roles in the films Mammoth and An Invisible Sign, has tragically passed....

Oscar Voters Now Required to Watch All Nominated Films, New Rules in Action

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced a major change in Oscar voting rules. Starting immediately, voters....

‘Sinners’ Slays the Box Office with $45.6M Opening Weekend, Surpassing Minecraft

Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller Sinners has shaken up Hollywood norms. With a strong $45.6 million debut, it outshined even franchise....

Shocking Turn in The Last of Us: Joel’s Death Rocks Season 2

The Last of Us wasted no time delivering a gut punch in Season 2. Just two episodes in, the beloved....

Katy Perry: A Star Unstoppable, On Tour and Beyond

Katy Perry has been on a whirlwind journey over the past year. From launching a new album to campaigning for....