Advertisement

TIFF screening controversial doc ‘Russians at War’ again

Click to play video: 'Protests erupts over TIFF screening of controversial Russia documentary'
Protests erupts over TIFF screening of controversial Russia documentary
WATCH: Protests erupts over TIFF screening of controversial Russia documentary – Sep 17, 2024

The Toronto International Film Festival plans to screen the controversial documentary “Russians at War” today after postponing last week’s showings.

The film, which captures the experiences of Russian soldiers on the front lines of the war in Ukraine, has sparked considerable backlash from Ukrainian officials and community groups, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Last week, TIFF announced it would be suspending screenings of “Russians at War” due to “significant threats” to festival operations and public safety.

The documentary by Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova was originally scheduled for its North American premiere at TIFF last Friday, with additional weekend screenings also halted. The festival concluded on Sunday.

Click to play video: 'Freeland criticizes use of public funds for ‘Russians at War’ doc screening at TIFF'
Freeland criticizes use of public funds for ‘Russians at War’ doc screening at TIFF

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress called the film “Russian propaganda,” but Trofimova has denied those claims, telling The Canadian Press that the documentary was filmed without the Russian government’s permission, which put her at risk of criminal prosecution.

Story continues below advertisement

TIFF also dismissed accusations that “Russians at War” is propaganda, with organizers saying the film merits a place in the festival lineup.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Freeland has 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.

Last week, TVO’s board of directors retracted its support for the film and cancelled plans to broadcast it on the network.

Two screenings of “Russians at War” are scheduled today at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto.

Sponsored content

AdChoices