The Toronto International Film Festival says a documentary about the Hamas attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, is now an official selection and will screen at the festival after it was initially disinvited.
TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey and filmmaker Barry Avrich say they have reached a resolution after hearing “pain and frustration” from the public.
In a joint statement, the festival and the director say they have ironed out “important safety, legal and programming concerns” around the film, titled The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue.
The documentary follows retired IDF general Noam Tibon’s mission to rescue his family during the Hamas attacks, during which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were taken, according to Israeli tallies.
Earlier this week, festival organizers said they pulled the documentary because it didn’t meet certain requirements around security concerns and “legal clearance of all footage.”
The decision sparked an international outcry, including from some Jewish groups and politicians. The filmmakers also accused the festival of censorship.
TIFF said on Wednesday that it was working with the documentary team to find a way to screen the film.
The statement said that TIFF has apologized for not clearly articulating its concerns.
TIFF runs from Sept. 4 to 14.
