The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) announced on Thursday that it had been forced to cancel future screenings of the documentary Russians at War due to “significant threats” to the operation of the festival and public safety.
The film about the disillusionment of Russian soldiers sent to the front by Moscow in the war in Ukraine was to be screened Friday, Saturday and Sunday at TIFF.
Organizers say the decision to suspend screenings is “unprecedented” for the Toronto festival, but necessary to ensure the safety of attendees, guests and staff.
The film has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials and diaspora organizations, who argue that the documentary constitutes propaganda for Moscow and exonerates the Russian military for war crimes.
Chrystia Freeland said on Tuesday that the use of public funds to support the screening of a documentary on Russian soldiers was “not right.”
TIFF had argued earlier this week that the documentary “in no way” constituted Russian propaganda and stood by its decision to include it in its programming.
The festival now says it is still committed to screening the film, but had to prioritize more immediate public safety concerns.
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