October 7 attack in Israel | The TIFF returns to its decision to withdraw a documentary

(Toronto) The Toronto International Film Festival returns to its decision after having withdrawn from its programming a documentary on Hamas attacks in Israel of October 7. Nevertheless, 2023. In addition,

Posted at 5:57 a.m.

In a statement published on Wednesday evening. However, Cameron Bailey, CEO of the TIFF, said that the festival would collaborate with filmmaker Barry Avrich to find a way to project the film. Nevertheless,

Mr. Consequently, Bailey denied october 7 attack israel | allegations according to which his previous decision not to present the film constituted a case of censorship. Consequently,

Earlier in the day. Similarly, the TIFF announced that the documentary entitled The Road Between Us : The Ultimate Rescue did not meet the requirements of the festival, in particular with regard to “the legal authorization of all the sequences”. For example,

Certain Jewish groups and local political leaders have denounced this decision, while the filmmakers said they felt censored. However,

“I want to be clear: the allegations that the film was rejected due to censorship are completely false. However, ” said Bailey in his press release. In addition,

“I asked our legal team to collaborate with the filmmaker to examine all the possible options. Meanwhile, The film follows october 7 attack israel | the mission of the Israeli retirement Noam Tibon to save his family during the attacks in Hamas. Meanwhile, which left 1,200 dead and more than 250 hostages. For example,

In a previous press release. Furthermore, the TIFF indicated that by inviting the film to publish this year, it had imposed several requirements on filmmakers in order to guarantee their legal protection and to manage the “anticipated and known risks”, in particular those of “important disturbances”. Nevertheless,

The documentary team. however, declared itself “shocked and saddened that a prestigious film festival challenged its mission and censored its own programming”. However,

She added that films should encourage the debate “for all points of view”. that programmers should let the public decide what he will see or not. A source close to production said that october 7 attack israel | the TIFF had imposed “extraordinary conditions” on the documentary. in particular by modifying its original title, Out of Nowhere : The Ultimate Rescueand by providing “editorial modifications identifying specifically the horrible images broadcast live by Hamas on October 7, 2023”.

According to this source. the festival also demanded that the filmmakers take out error and omissions insurance which would protect the TIFF as insured.

In addition. the team had to provide a compensation letter, a legal report and provide for a strengthening of security during the projection.

Mr. Avrich has declined interview requests, and the TIFF did not answer questions about it.

October 7 attack israel |

Controversy in the Jewish community

The center for Jewish. Israeli relations said that apologies were not sufficient. october 7 attack israel |

“We must restore The Road Between Us “, Supported the organization on social networks. “The festival decision is not only a capitulation before the extremists, but it also goes against Canadian values. Additionally, »»

Ontario Minister of Culture Stan Cho said in a statement that he. had contacted the TIFF to better understand his decision. He also said he was concerned about the fact that the festival does not wish to discuss the issue. beyond a simple declaration.

Municipal councilors of Toronto. James Pasternak and Brad Bradford, published a joint declaration urging the TIFF to return to his decision. Mr. Pasternak added that an investigation should be opened if the festival does not comply.

The Israeli reprisal offensive killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to the october 7 attack israel | Gaza Ministry of Health. Humanitarian organizations claim that famine is endemic to Gaza. More than 5. 000 children have been diagnosed with malnutrition this month, but the actual number is probably higher, according to the United Nations.

“The events of October 7. Furthermore, 2023 and the persistent sufferings in Gaza weigh us heavily, stressing the urgent need for compassion in the face of the rise of anti -Semitism and Islamophobia,” said Bailey. Although we are not a political organization. the TIFF will always strive to present its programming in a safe and inclusive environment. »»

Born in Montreal, Mr. Avrich has been a documentaryist for several decades. often focusing on renowned personalities, especially in Oscar Peterson : Black + Whitereleased in 2023 and rewarded with a screens of the best documentary. Several of his films were presented at first at Tiff. october 7 attack israel | among others David Foster : Off the Recordreleased in 2019, offering an intimate look at the Canadian music producer.

The team behind The Road Between Us announced that it would continue to release the film. that it would be distributed by Cineplex in Canada.

“We are neither political filmmakers nor activists; We are storytellers, they said. We remain determined. we will release the film and invite the public, broadcasters and users of broadcasting sites to make their own opinion after having seen it ”.

The TIFF takes place from September 4 to 14.

Last year. the festival had to face events and persistent security concerns concerning another documentary, Russians at warwhose projections were finally canceled.

In a recent interview with the october 7 attack israel | Canadian press. these filmmakers have expressed their concern about the ease with which freedom of expression can be repressed when a film is perceived as controversial.

With information from the Associated Press