Document on the October 7 attacks by filmmaker Barry Avrich is withdrawn by TIFF; filmmakers claim they have been 'suppressed'
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has withdrawn Barry Avrich's documentary "The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue" from its 50th edition, citing unmet general requirements, particularly legal clearance of all footage involving Hamas related to the October 7 attacks in Israel[1].
The film follows retired Israeli general Noam Tibon's mission to rescue his family during the Hamas attacks, where 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were taken. The move has stirred a strong outcry from members of the Jewish community, with Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, calling it a "shameful decision" that sends an "unmistakable message" about the safety and welcome of Toronto's Jewish community[2].
TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey apologized for any hurt caused by the situation and emphasized that TIFF values the film's contribution and is committed to working with the filmmaker to resolve the issues to possibly allow screening at the festival[1]. However, the filmmaking team has labeled TIFF's withdrawal of the film as censorship[1].
In a recent interview, the filmmakers of "Russians at War," another controversial documentary, expressed concern about how easily freedom of expression can be suppressed when a film is seen as controversial[3]. Ontario's minister of culture, Stan Cho, has expressed concern over TIFF's decision and has spoken with Israel's ambassador to Canada about the film's exclusion from the lineup, reiterating that the government condemns the Hamas attacks[4].
The team behind "The Road Between Us" invites audiences, broadcasters, and streamers to make up their own mind after seeing the film[5]. The documentary's team expressed disappointment, stating that films should encourage debate "from every perspective" and that the audience should decide what they will or won't see[6].
Meanwhile, aid groups report that starvation in Gaza is rampant, with more than 5,000 children diagnosed with malnutrition this month, though the true number is likely higher, according to the U.N.[7]. Israel's retaliatory offensive has resulted in the death of more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry[8].
The Toronto International Film Festival runs from Sept. 4 to 14.
References: 1. The Canadian Press 2. The Canadian Press 3. The Canadian Press 4. The Canadian Press 5. The Canadian Press 6. The Canadian Press 7. The Associated Press 8. Gaza's Health Ministry
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