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Ukrainian Activists Demand TIFF Cancel Controversial War Documentary

by Barbara

Ukrainian diplomats and activists in Canada called on the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to cancel further screenings of the documentary “Russians At War,” which they claim functions as “Russian propaganda.” Directed by Anastasia Trofimova, a Russian-Canadian filmmaker, the documentary offers an unfiltered view of Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, presenting their perspectives on fear, death, and hope amid the conflict.

Ukrainian Consul General Oleh Nikolenko criticized the film as an attempt to “whitewash” Russian war crimes, asserting that TIFF’s decision to screen it reflects a lack of willingness to address these concerns. In response, Trofimova defended the documentary, arguing that it was created without Russian government permission and at significant personal risk. She emphasized her opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supported the International Criminal Court’s investigation into war crimes.

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Funded by the Canada Media Fund, the film had its North American premiere at TIFF following its out-of-competition screening at the Venice Film Festival. Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, of Ukrainian descent, also condemned the film’s inclusion, stating that public funds should not support such content amid ongoing aggression.

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TIFF defended its decision, asserting that the film does not qualify as propaganda and was made independently of Russian government influence. The festival emphasized its commitment to artistic freedom and opposition to censorship.

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Outside TIFF venues, protesters, including Ukrainian-Canadian filmmaker Olya Glotka, voiced their discontent, urging the Canadian government to scrutinize the film’s funding and questioning the appropriateness of showcasing content related to alleged war crimes.

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