'Canada is in disgrace': Protest erupts as TIFF proceeds with screenings of controversial Russian war documentary
In a reversal from last week's decision to halt screenings, Toronto International Film Festival is screening 'Russians at War' on Tuesday
The Toronto International Film Festival is moving forward with screening the controversial documentary Russians at War on Tuesday amid a new wave of protests after postponing last week's showings due to public outcry.
The film, which details the experiences of Russian soldiers on the front lines of the war in Ukraine, has drawn backlash from Ukrainian officials, community groups, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. She condemned the use of public funds to finance and screen the documentary, which received $340,000 from the Canada Media Fund, and was produced in partnership with Ontario's public broadcaster, TVO.
Canadian public money should not be used to support the production or screening of media that attempts to whitewash Russia’s war crimes.
Ukrainians are fighting for their sovereignty and for democracy—there can be no moral equivalency in this conflict.— Chrystia Freeland (@cafreeland) September 10, 2024
Last week, TIFF announced in a lengthy statement it would be suspending screenings of "Russians at War" due to “significant threats" to festival operations and public safety.
Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova vehemently denies the propaganda claims, saying that her documentary was filmed without the Russian government's permission, which put her at risk of criminal prosecution.
"This temporary suppression is shockingly unCanadian. We call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fully investigate this affront, from within a sovereign government, to our democratic values and a free media," reads a statement shared by producers of Russians at War late last week.
While the festival officially closed Sunday night, the organization said the screenings this week are part of its TIFF ’24 lineup, and an update on their website shows an afternoon and evening screening taking place on September 17.
Reports emerged Tuesday afternoon that protesters had positioned themselves around the Bell Lightbox Theatre in response to the announcement that screenings would proceed.
Protesters have crowded the entrance to the Bell Lightbox Theatre where the controversial documentary Russians at War is screening today. pic.twitter.com/yqpW9efOo1
— Harrison Faulkner (@Harry__Faulkner) September 17, 2024
Multiple Toronto police officers are on hand to prevent protesters from entering the theatre and ensure protests do not get out of hand.
Highlights from today's demonstration at the TIFF Lightbox. Shame on @TIFF_NET organizing a showing of the russian propaganda. It was a really scary protest. More police presence than usual. What are you scared of TIFF ? Women and children ? Shame. pic.twitter.com/Loh7UHJj0E
— UCC Toronto 🇺🇦 🇨🇦 (@UCCToronto) September 17, 2024
Oleh Nikolenko, Consul General of Ukraine in Toronto, has expressed his outrage over the decision by TIFF to proceed with the screening of the film, and shared a lengthy statement over Facebook.
'It's traumatizing' to 'Can't imagine how it is Russian propaganda': Social media has mixed reactions
Social media users are rushing to share their thoughts on TIFF's reversal to show the documentary. One X user states "It's traumatizing for the victims of Russian aggression."
Hey, Rogers, I am a long-term customer. Regarding @TIFF_NET decision to screen “Russians at war” today - please know it’s traumatizing for the victims of Russian aggression, all Ukrainians & those around the world w/ consciousness. pic.twitter.com/5BMWY6pkhv
— Maryana Nikoula🌻🍉 ï (@mnikoula) September 17, 2024
Questions over the approval of funding for Russians at War also surfaced in Senate Tuesday, with Senator Donna Dasko asking why the Canada Media Fund gave 340k to make the film.
Today I asked the government representative in the @SenateCA why the Canada Media Fund gave 340k to make the propaganda film “Russians at War”. See my question & his answer below. @Isgsenate @ukrcancongress #TIFF @StanKutcher pic.twitter.com/yr7NI0BBcO
— Sen.Donna Dasko (@DonnaDasko) September 17, 2024
One user on the other side of the dialogue says he watched the war doc and "can't imagine how it could be Russian propaganda."
I have seen Russians At War. Can't imagine how it could be Russian propaganda. I get the pain fueling the Ukranian response but I'm also saddened that #TIFF24 was forced to respond to threats to public safety by suspending the film's screenings. https://t.co/tyeggcwU74
— Radheyan Simonpillai (@JustSayRad) September 13, 2024
"For promoting genocide, Canada is in a state of disgrace," chimed in one X user.
Today, the directors of the Toronto International Film Festival will be humanizing the russians who committed this war crime by showing the propaganda film “Russians at War.”
For promoting genocide, Canada is in disgrace. https://t.co/OUajMfWql5— Michael MacKay (@mhmck) September 17, 2024
Reaction is pouring in from beyond Canada's borders, with one organization calling the screening of the film "A crime against Ukrainian people."
Letting “russians at war” movie to your stage is a crime against Ukrainian people, who dieing everyday from russians, that director hide from the camera. She for purpose showing soldiers who are “innocent”. So the people will think that there was a reason for russia to send the…
— NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade (@69thSB) September 17, 2024