Drama at TIFF! “Russians at War” Screenings Canceled Due to Security Concerns

Hold on to your popcorn, film lovers! The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has hit the pause button on its highly controversial documentary Russians at War. And it’s not because of lackluster reviews.

The film, directed by Anastasia Trofimova, was all set to make waves with its North American debut. But, just before its Friday to Sunday screenings, TIFF organizers pulled the production from its line-up last Thursday, citing “significant threats” to public safety. Yes, you read that right. Rumors swirled about potential disruptions, and with the heat around this film, it’s no surprise​.

“This decision has been made in order to ensure the safety of all festival guests, staff, and volunteers,” TIFF shared in a statement.

So, what’s the deal with Russians at War? Well, it’s been labeled as a little too sympathetic to Russian soldiers involved in the Ukraine conflict. The film paints a picture of confused young men, struggling with Soviet-era weapons and questioning why they’re even at the frontlines. But Ukrainian cultural groups were quick to protest. They accused the documentary of trying to humanize an unjust invasion.

Even Canada’s own Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, weighed in, calling out the film for lacking moral clarity. Things got messier when TVO, a Canadian broadcast company that had a hand in the film’s funding, quickly distanced itself and pulled any plans to air it. 

But here’s the kicker—Trofimova insists her film is “anti-war” and not at all a love letter to the Russian military. She says it’s about showing the tragedy of war, even for the soldiers caught in the crossfire. However, that hasn’t stopped her critics, who argue that the film glosses over Russia’s brutal role in the invasion​.

So where does that leave TIFF? The Canadian organization eventually changed its mind and allowed the screenings to proceed on Tuesday. Before showing the film, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey warned moviegoers about the opposition it received. 

“Most of that was civil and peaceful. Some of it was terrifying,” Bailey described.

She elaborated, “In emails and phone calls, TIFF staff received hundreds of instances of verbal abuse. Our staff also received threats of violence, including threats of sexual violence. We were horrified, and our staff members were understandably frightened.”

“We also learned of plans to disrupt or stop the screenings. Because last week’s screenings were scheduled at a 14-screen multiplex on some of the festival’s busiest days, we determined that it would be safer not to go ahead with those plans.”