Ukrainian diplomats and activists in Canada are urging the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to cancel further screenings of the documentary “Russians At War,” claiming it serves as “Russian propaganda.”
The film, directed by Anastasia Trofimova, follows Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine and has been accused of whitewashing war crimes committed by the Russian military.
Ukrainian Consul General Oleh Nikolenko called the documentary “highly crafted Russian propaganda” and expressed disappointment in TIFF’s decision to allow the screening.
However, Trofimova denied the allegations, stating that the film was made without Russian government permission and puts her at risk of criminal prosecution in Russia.
She emphasized that the film is an anti-war statement and acknowledged the validity of the International Criminal Court’s investigation into war crimes in Ukraine.
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The documentary was funded by the Canada Media Fund and made its North American premiere at TIFF after showing at the Venice Film Festival.
Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, of Ukrainian descent, also condemned the film and its inclusion in TIFF’s program, stating that Canadian public money should not support such a film.
Protesters gathered outside a Toronto theater, demanding the cancellation of the documentary’s screenings and calling for an investigation into the film’s funding.
Olya Glotka, a Ukrainian-Canadian filmmaker, emphasized that the Canadian government should take action, stating that it is not the right time to give voice to those committing war crimes.
TIFF officials have not yet responded to requests for comment.
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