TIFF removes documentary on Hamas attack over legal issues and concerns

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The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) removed a documentary about the 2023 Hamas attack against Israel, citing legal issues with the footage. 

The film, "The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue," by Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich, details the account of retired Israeli Gen. Noam Tibon, who rescued his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren on October 7.

TIFF said the documentary was removed "because general requirements for inclusion in the festival, and conditions that were requested when the film was initially invited, were not met, including legal clearance of all footage," the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The filmmakers alleged "censorship," according to the AP. 

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Cameron Bailey speaks on behalf of the Toronto International Film Festival, 2025 Inductees, Arts and Entertainment during the 2025 Canada's Walk of Fame Induction Gala held at Metro Toronto Convention Centre on June 14, 2025, in Toronto, Ontario.  (Photo by Jeremy Chan/Getty Images)

"We are shocked and saddened that a venerable film festival has defied its mission and censored its own programming by refusing this film," the filmmakers said in a statement. "Ultimately, film is an art form that stimulates debate from every perspective that can both entertain us and make us uncomfortable."

Cameron Bailey, the CEO of TIFF, pushed back on the censorship allegations in a statement on Wednesday. 

"My intention was to screen The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, which is why I extended the invitation for the film to participate in this year's festival. Given the sensitive and significant nature of the film's subject, I believe that it tells an important story and contributes to the rich tapestry of perspectives in our lineup — stories that resonate both here at home and around the world," Bailey said.

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Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto International Film Festival, Cameron Bailey, and Anita Lee, attend the unveiling of the Canada’s Walk of Fame 2025 commemorative plaque to celebrate the Toronto International Film Festival’s induction for Arts and Entertainment during the 2025 Canada's Walk of Fame Gala at Metro Toronto Convention Centre on June 14, 2025, in Toronto, Ontario.  (Photo by Mathew Tsang/Getty Images)

"I want to be clear: claims that the film was rejected due to censorship are unequivocally false. I remain committed to working with the filmmaker to meet TIFF's screening requirements to allow the film to be screened at this year’s festival. I have asked our legal team to work with the filmmaker on considering all options available," the statement continued. 

According to a report in Deadline, "Filmmakers were told they had to make editorial changes specifically identifying horrific footage that was livestreamed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, footage that had already been seen publicly. The festival claims it requested that the filmmakers not make changes, rather identify the source of the footage and confirmation of legal clearance."

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Major General (Res.) Noam Tibon speaks during a rally calling for the remaining hostages to be released a day after the temporary truce ended outside The Museum of Modern Art known as the 'The Hostages and Missing Square' on December 2, 2023 in Tel Aviv, Israel.    (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

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At the 2024 festival, TIFF pulled a film titled "Russians at War," the AP reported. The documentary covers Russian soldiers in their war against Ukraine. Protesters have called the film Russian propaganda, according to the AP.