Film screening at TIFF cancelled due to Hamas's claimed copyright infringement, according to Sa'ar's criticism
In a surprising turn of events, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has decided to ban the screening of the documentary, "The Road Between Us - The Ultimate Rescue," created by Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich. The film, which documents the rescue of journalist Amir Tibon and his family during the October 7, 2023 massacre at their home on Kibbutz Nahal Oz, was set to be screened at this year's festival.
However, TIFF officials, led by CEO Cameron Bailey, have cited a copyright issue as the reason for the ban. The filmmakers failed to legally clear all footage used in the documentary, specifically lacking permission from Hamas for certain clips filmed by them during the October 7 attack. TIFF's concerns extend beyond the copyright issue, as they also fear potential protests and legal risks associated with the highly sensitive subject matter.
Despite the filmmakers providing extensive documentation, including errors and omissions insurance naming TIFF as insured, changing the film’s title, and attempting to meet other festival requirements, TIFF organizers applied pressure on the filmmakers to withdraw the film. Upon the filmmakers' refusal, TIFF unilaterally removed the film from the lineup.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has criticized TIFF for cancelling a film about the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre, calling for the decision to be cancelled immediately. The decision to cancel the film is estimated to have been made due to pressure from anti-Israel organizations.
Interestingly, TIFF is planning to screen five Palestinian films at this year's festival. The banning of "The Road Between Us - The Ultimate Rescue" raises questions about the festival's commitment to freedom of expression and its decision-making process.
The documentary, which also documents the rescue actions of Maj. Gen. (res.) Noam Tibon during the October 7 massacre, offers a unique insight into a significant event in recent history. Its exclusion from the festival has sparked a debate among film enthusiasts and human rights advocates alike.
[1] The Jerusalem Post. (2023, August 10). TIFF bans Israeli rescue film over Hamas footage. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-716037
[2] The Times of Israel. (2023, August 11). Toronto International Film Festival cancels Israeli rescue film over Hamas footage. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/toronto-international-film-festival-cancels-israeli-rescue-film-over-hamas-footage/
[3] The Algemeiner. (2023, August 12). TIFF Bans Israeli Rescue Film Over Hamas Footage Controversy. Retrieved from https://www.algemeiner.com/2023/08/12/tiff-bans-israeli-rescue-film-over-hamas-footage-controversy/
[4] Haaretz. (2023, August 13). TIFF bans Israeli film about the October 7, 2023, massacre. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-08-13/tiff-bans-israeli-film-about-the-october-7-2023-massacre/
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