After sending a release confirming the reversal of its previous acceptance reversal, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) confirmed today at The Road Between Us, directed by Barry Avrich, would indeed play the festival. The film will screen in the TIFF Docs programme.
The documentary embroiled the festival in controversy last week when Deadline broke a story that TIFF had reversed its decision to screen the documentary about former Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) general Noam Tibon, who rescued members of his family and several other people amid the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023. Deadline wrote that the filmmakers were asked to provide clearance from Hamas regarding the use of a clip from the attacks. The allegation embroiled the festival in controversy and the reversal was retracted within a day of the public outcry.
TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey kicked off a Canadian press event today at TIFF Lightbox—where attendees were subjected to bag checks amid notably heightened security—by addressing the festival’s role in bringing people together during difficult times. “Your support through the premieres, parties, and tough moments keeps us going year-round.”
Bailey then directly addressed the elephant in the room, confirming the documentary’s presence in the line-up and apologizing for “miscommunications” surrounding The Road Between Us and any hurt that might have been caused during the last week. Bailey also said that the festival wouldn’t be shying away from films that might raise controversy. “That commitment to represent challenging storytelling remains strong.”
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The Road Between Us will have its world premiere on Wednesday, September 10 at 2:00pm at Roy Thomson Hall—a much larger venue than those that host TIFF Docs selections. The film will currently play without a press and industry screening. Ironically though, the documentary about the former IDf general overlaps in the schedule with the North American premiere of the Palestinian documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, therefore representing a somewhat complicated and political choice for audiences seeking multiple perspectives on global affairs.
Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, directed by Sepideh Farsi, tells the story of late Palestinian journalist Fatma Hassouna, who was killed earlier this year alongside her family when an IDF airstrike hit their home in Gaza. The doc, however, has another public screening on September 11 and a press and industry screening on September 4.
TIFF’s event today also announced efforts to promote Canadian voices new and established. The festival revealed that it will screen a retrospective of Peter Mettler’s work in October. Dubbed “Nothing But Time,” the series will look back on the oeuvre of the experimental maverick whose latest film, While the Green Grass Grows: A Diary in Seven Parts, has its world premiere at the festival in September.
Also announced today, TIFF will partner with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) for {re}defined, an intensive program that aims to bolster the next generation of Canadian and Indigenous artists. The project will allow five filmmakers under 30 years old to conceive and create innovative short documentaries. Filmmakers will work with the NFB through all stages of production to ready the docs for a premiere at next year’s edition of TIFF.
“The NFB is thrilled to join creative forces with TIFF and amplify new voices to redefine what it means to be Canadian and Indigenous, now and for the future,” said Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson, in a statement. “It’s a landmark year for TIFF and a moment of transformation for our country. This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering next-generation filmmakers to redefine our diverse and evolving identities, through bold works of short cinema.”
“Documentary film has the power to illuminate the realities of others and deepen our understanding of the world around us,” added Anita Lee, TIFF’s Chief Programming Officer. “Through {RE}DEFINED, we’re inviting emerging creators to tell urgent, personal and unexpected stories that reflect the richness and complexity of life in Canada today.” Applications for {re}defined are now open.
TIFF celebrates its 50th edition this year. It will screen 60 Canadian films and co-productions. Documentaries include Lilith Fair, Still Single, Aki, and Modern Whore. The festival opens with the John Candy documentary John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds.
