Toronto screens controversial Russian war film after threats

The Toronto International Film Festival faced significant backlash after initially deciding to screen the documentary 'Russians at War,' which focuses on the perspective of Russian soldiers during Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Following threats related to the film's screening, festival organizers announced the cancellation of the showings, marking an unprecedented decision in the festival's history. However, the film is now scheduled for two screenings at the TIFF Lightbox cultural center on September 17. The documentary has been controversial since its debut at the Venice Film Festival, with critics labeling it as pro-Kremlin propaganda that seeks to justify Russia's actions in Ukraine. Yulia Kovaliv, Ukraine's ambassador to Canada, expressed her disapproval of the festival's decision to reinstate the screenings, condemning it as a platform for Russian propaganda. This sentiment reflects the broader outrage surrounding the film's content and its implications. In response to the controversy, Canadian regional public broadcaster TVO, which had previously supported the film through funding, has withdrawn its backing and will not air the documentary as planned. This decision highlights the growing concern among media outlets regarding the potential impact of the film on public perception of the ongoing conflict. Filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova defended the documentary, asserting that it is an anti-war film that portrays the struggles of ordinary soldiers who are often treated as expendable. The film aims to shed light on the human cost of war, showcasing the soldiers' confusion and challenges in the face of outdated military equipment.