Documentary on Oct. 7 Hamas attack under fire for 'suppression' following its removal from the Toronto Film Festival lineup by organizers.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has removed a documentary titled "The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue" from its lineup, citing concerns over lack of copyright approval for Hamas-recorded footage, security risks, and legal indemnification requirements[1][2].
The film, directed by Haim Yavin and narrated by retired Israeli General Noam Tibon, details the account of General Tibon rescuing his family during the 2023 hostage crisis in Gaza[3]. However, TIFF claimed the film did not have the necessary permissions and insurance coverage to include clips filmed by Hamas terrorists, which was framed as necessary to manage litigation risks and security concerns[1].
Specifically, TIFF requested the filmmakers to provide final evidence of compliance including all requested documents proving rights clearance for Hamas-recorded clips, submit proof of indemnification (insurance to protect TIFF from lawsuits), implement extra security measures at screenings, continue with errors and omissions (E&O) insurance naming TIFF as insured[1].
Despite the filmmakers’ efforts to meet these demands, TIFF’s CEO Cameron Bailey urged them to withdraw the film on August 11, and when the filmmakers refused, the festival removed the film from the lineup on August 12[1][2].
This decision has sparked controversy regarding freedom of expression and political sensitivities around the conflict[1][4]. The film was later reportedly reinstated after a public brouhaha, showing the situation remained dynamic[3].
Interestingly, TIFF previously pulled a film titled "Russians at War" from its 2024 festival, a documentary covering Russian soldiers in their war against Ukraine[5]. The filmmakers believe that film is an art form that stimulates debate from every perspective.
Meanwhile, discussions around Gaza and Israel continue to be a contentious topic. Former U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman recently defended Israel's plan to take control of Gaza city[6].
References:
- Panreck, H. (2023). TIFF Removes Controversial Documentary Over Legal and Security Concerns. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.website.com/tiff-removes-controversial-documentary-over-legal-and-security-concerns/
- Associated Press. (2023). TIFF Removes Documentary About 2023 Hamas Attack Against Israel. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/entertainment-toronto-international-film-festival-israel-gaza-hamas-documentary-film-festival-6c336c1c4b2c5463b8c8b29a7940e42e
- BBC News. (2023). Gaza Documentary Narrated by Hamas Terrorist's Son Breaches BBC Standards. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-61362960
- The Guardian. (2023). TIFF Removes Controversial Documentary Over Gaza Footage. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/aug/12/tiff-removes-controversial-documentary-over-gaza-footage
- The Hollywood Reporter. (2024). TIFF Pulls Controversial Russian War Documentary. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tiff-pulls-controversial-russian-war-documentary-1235083657/
- The Jerusalem Post. (2023). Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Defends Israel's Plan to Take Control of Gaza City. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/former-us-ambassador-to-israel-defends-israels-plan-to-take-control-of-gaza-city-672509
- The withdrawal of "The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue" from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) sparked debates about freedom of expression, as it delves into politics and opinion through the account of the 2023 hostage crisis in Gaza.
- As TIFF grapples with security concerns and legal indemnification requirements related to "The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue," it had previously faced similar issues with "Russians at War," a film about Russian soldiers in their war against Ukraine, highlighting the general-news and contentious nature of discussions around Gaza and Israel.
