Toronto film festival pulls October 7 documentary over 'copyright', security concerns
The Toronto International Film Festival has withdrawn an invitation to screen a documentary about the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, citing legal and security concerns.
The Toronto International Film Festival has withdrawn an invitation to screen a documentary about the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, citing legal and security concerns, a decision the filmmakers call censorship.
The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, directed by Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich, tells the story of retired Israeli Major General Noam Tibon’s effort to rescue his son, journalist Amir Tibon, and his family during the Hamas-led assault on Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
More than a quarter of the community’s 400 residents were killed or taken hostage that day.
The film uses footage livestreamed by Hamas operatives during the attack.
The film festival said the filmmakers had not met “general requirements for inclusion” in the festival, including legal clearance for all clips.
A spokesperson told Deadline the measures were intended to “protect TIFF from legal implications” and to mitigate “anticipated and known risks” around screening a film on “highly sensitive subject matter,” including potential threats of disruption.
Line producer Talia Harris Ram told Israel’s Channel 12 news there was “no legal problem” in using the footage, which she said is in the public domain.
She called the copyright rationale “a bit of a joke” and said she anticipated the possibility of the festival backing out.
The filmmakers said in a statement they were “shocked and saddened” by TIFF’s move.
“We are storytellers, we remain defiant, we will release the film, and we invite audiences, broadcasters, and streamers to make up their own mind,” they said.
Reports said TIFF requested the team change the film’s title, provide a letter of indemnification accepting liability for any legal issues, and enhance event security.
TIFF’s lawyers asked for evidence of compliance and a pre-screening before ultimately rescinding the invitation.
Tibon called the decision “absurd and bizarre,” accusing the festival of “succumbing to pressure and threats” and “silencing and erasing October 7.”
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs also condemned the move, saying TIFF’s decision “sends an unequivocal message: Toronto’s Jewish community is no longer safe or welcome.”
According to Israeli media outlet Ynet, the film will be shown in September at a public screening organized by Toronto’s Jewish community.