Toronto film fest to screen Oct. 7 doc initially nixed over ‘copyright concerns’

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Thursday reversed an initial decision to scrap the screening of a documentary about the October 7 onslaught following uproar from Jewish organizations and Israeli officials.

Last month, TIFF invited Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich to screen at the festival, “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,” which tells the story of Maj. Gen. (res.) Noam Tibon, who set out to save his son, journalist Amir Tibon, and his son’s family as they were attacked by Hamas-led terrorists at their home on Kibbutz Nahal Oz near the Gaza border.

But earlier this week, it rescinded that invitation in an email claiming the filmmakers had not received explicit permission to use videos of the Hamas operatives during the attack in the film, with the festival fearing a potential lawsuit.

The email was leaked to the press, which reported that TIFF also pulled the screening due to fear of anti-Israel protesters disrupting the festival.

Earlier Thursday, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey denied that the film was rejected from the festival due to censorship and said that he was working with the filmmaker to ensure the work could be screened.

Hours later, Bailey and Avrich issued a joint statement announcing that the screening was back on, saying that “both TIFF and the filmmakers have heard the pain and frustration expressed by the public.”

“We have worked together to find a resolution to satisfy important safety, legal, and programming concerns. We are pleased to share that The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue will be an official TIFF selection at the festival this year, where we believe it will contribute to the vital conversations that the film is meant to inspire,” they said.

Appearing to express regret over the initial decision to nix the screening, the statement said, “TIFF’s communication around its requirements did not clearly articulate the concerns and roadblocks that arose, and for that, we are sorry.”

“Both TIFF and the filmmakers have always been committed to presenting diverse perspectives and a belief in the power of storytelling to spark and encourage dialogue and understanding,” the statement added, revealing that the documentary will premiere on August 20.

The movie features footage taken from the cameras of terrorists, who filmed their atrocities as they marauded through Israeli communities. Over a quarter of Nahal Oz’s 400 residents were killed or taken hostage that day.

Following the announcement, the head of Canada’s Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Noah Shack, called on locals to attend the screening.

“Tens of thousands of Canadians—including civic leaders, elected officials, artists, and people from all backgrounds—spoke out against TIFF’s shameful decision to cave to extremist pressure,” he said in a statement. “Now, there’s one more thing Canadians must do: go see ‘The Road Between Us.’ Let’s make it the most-watched film at TIFF and, eventually, on screens across the country. Everyone needs to see the real cost of unchecked extremism—and the bravery of those who stand in defence of human life and our shared values.”