The controversial documentary “Russians At War” had its much-anticipated screening at the TIFF Lightbox, following a tumultuous period that saw the Toronto International Film Festival cancel prior showings due to serious threats. The film, helmed by Russian Canadian director Anastasia Trofimova, dives into the experiences of Russian soldiers on the front lines in Ukraine.
In an effort to address concerns surrounding the film, Ukrainian diplomats and local activists had urged TIFF to pull the screening, arguing that it leaned towards Russian propaganda. However, TIFF’s leadership decided to proceed with the screening in a more secure environment after a careful assessment of the situation.
On the day of the screening, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey explained that last week’s agenda was too risky, given the volume of threats. In his introductory remarks, he reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to showcasing films that have been selected based on their artistic value and relevance to ongoing global conflicts, particularly Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Given the heightened concerns, security around the screenings was significantly increased. Attendees underwent thorough checks, including wanding and the presence of a bomb-sniffing dog, ensuring a secure atmosphere for the audience. Many attendees praised both TIFF and Trofimova for their bravery in presenting the film despite the threats and protests.
Earlier, “Russians At War” had already garnered attention at the Venice Film Festival, where it was well-received, even earning a five-minute standing ovation. The film’s presence in Toronto did not sit well with Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who publicly criticized the distribution of Canadian public funds to support such a project.
In response to the uproar, Bailey expressed that yielding to public pressure or government influence regarding cultural expressions could undermine society. He emphasized the importance of defending independent media and the principles that guide TIFF’s programming decisions.
Tensions surrounding the film also prompted TVO, its distributor, to withdraw support just a day before its originally planned screening. TVO’s Board of Directors stated that they would reevaluate how the film was funded and distributed due to feedback from the Ukrainian-Canadian community.
Bailey voiced his sympathy for the sentiments of Ukrainian Canadians affected by the war but maintained that the threats against TIFF staff crossed a perilous threshold. He cited some of the threats, which included disturbing mentions of sexual violence, as particularly horrifying.
The discourse surrounding “Russians At War” highlights the challenges film festivals face as they navigate contentious topics in a post-pandemic landscape. Despite the risks, Bailey and the TIFF team remain committed to presenting diverse narratives that provoke discussion and reflection, demonstrating the ongoing power of cinema to ignite dialogue across cultural divides.