Anastasia Trofimova’s documentary Russians at War has ignited significant controversy and protest at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), ahead of its North American debut on Friday. The Russian-Canadian filmmaker’s exploration of ordinary Russian soldiers’ lives in Ukraine has drawn criticism from the Ukrainian Canadian community and sparked heated debate about the film’s portrayal of the conflict.
Trofimova, who spent seven months embedded with a Russian army unit in Eastern Ukraine, aims to offer a unique perspective on the conflict, one she argues is often overlooked by mainstream media. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Trofimova described her approach as an effort to capture an underrepresented viewpoint. “These soldiers wanted to share their stories with someone who would listen. I went there to provide that opportunity,” she said.
The film’s screening at TIFF has not been without its detractors. On Tuesday, approximately 400 Ukrainian Canadians gathered outside the TIFF Bell Lightbox, the festival’s main venue, to protest the film’s inclusion. The demonstrators carried signs accusing the film of justifying and minimizing the actions of Russian soldiers, with slogans like “‘Russians at War’ Justifies and Victimizes Killers and Rapists” and “Hello TIFF?! Russian Propaganda Kills.”
The controversy surrounding Russians at War initially surfaced during its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it faced backlash for its portrayal of the conflict. Darya Bassel, a Ukrainian producer with her own film at Venice, criticized the documentary as a tool of Russian propaganda rather than a critical examination of the conflict. “The film might appear to question the current regime in Russia, but what I saw was a classic example of propaganda,” Bassel wrote in a Facebook post.
TIFF has yet to comment on the protests, and the festival’s decision to screen the film has been met with mixed reactions. Ann Semotiuk, a board member of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, has voiced strong objections, accusing Trofimova of ignoring the serious allegations of war crimes committed by Russian forces. “While the director claims to present a different viewpoint, she overlooks the fact that Russia has been committing war crimes in Ukraine,” Semotiuk argued.
Producer Cornelia Principe defended the film, rejecting claims that it whitewashes the actions of Russian soldiers. “Our focus is on individual soldiers, not on glossing over war crimes. Empathizing with a soldier’s personal experience doesn’t equate to whitewashing,” Principe said.
The protests coincided with the film’s first press and industry screening at TIFF, and the Ukrainian Canadian community has vowed to continue their demonstration during the film’s public screening at the Scotiabank Theatre on Friday. Ukrainian Consul General Oleh Nikolenko expressed concerns about the festival’s decision in a letter to TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, calling it “irresponsible” to showcase a film that could potentially absolve Russian soldiers of their actions in the ongoing conflict.
Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who has Ukrainian heritage, publicly supported the concerns raised by the Ukrainian Canadian community. “I share the grave concerns expressed about this film. It’s important to critically assess how Canadian public funds are used in projects like this,” Freeland said in a press conference.
Despite the backlash, producer Principe confirmed that the film’s public screening is still scheduled. “TIFF and our funders have been very supportive of the film. The screening will proceed as planned,” Principe stated.
The controversy over Russians at War highlights the complex and sensitive nature of representing conflict through film, raising questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers and festivals in addressing and depicting ongoing global crises.
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