TIFF has issued a statement regarding its stand on the screening of the Canadian documentary “Russians at War.” This is after TIFF decided to continue with the three screenings scheduled this weekend. The documentary had its initial release on September 5 at the Venice film festival. Like TIFF, there too a protest letter was sent from the Ukrainian government; however, the festival didn’t shy away from screening the film. TIFF considered the “safety of all festival guests, staff, and volunteers” and has decided not to showcase the film.
The director Anastasia Trofimova is a Russian Canadian filmmaker, with this being her first documentary. Dealing with the human cost in a conflict. The documentary has strong anti-war ideas pertaining to the experiences of the soldiers at the battlefield. TIFF earlier mentioned, “As a cultural institution, we stand for the right of artists and cultural workers to express fair political commentary freely and oppose censorship.”
This makes it a rather awkward situation. However, it is to be noticed that the institution has mentioned, “We believe this film has earned a place in our festival’s lineup, and we are committed to screening it when it is safe to do so. Still, the fact that TIFF had to back off has stirred up enough attention.
The Documentary Organization of Canada has shared its concerns with this unforeseen decision. It is to be seen when exactly the festival finds time to showcase the movie as the festival ends on 15 September.