'PR perfume on institutional moral rot': Toronto film festival's apology to makers of October 7 doc rings hollow to some
Yesterday, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) CEO Cameron Bailey issued an apology to the makers of a documentary about the October 7 attacks by Hamas terrorists, and to the 'TIFF community.' But some Jewish community leaders as well as politicians are saying it's not enough.
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TIFF sparked anger from filmmakers and Jewish groups this week when it was revealed that the festival had rescinded an invitation for The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue to screen at this year's festival, which kicks off Sept. 4.
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The film, produced by Melbar Entertainment Group and directed by Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich, tells the story of retired Israel Defence Forces Gen. Noam Tibon, who raced from Tel Aviv to Kibbutz Nahal Oz near Gaza on October 7 to save his son Amir's family.
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In a statement to Deadline magazine and others, TIFF said the filmmakers did not secure 'legal clearance of all footage,' which was among the conditions the festival requested to mitigate 'known risks around the screening of a film about highly sensitive subject matter, including potential threat of significant disruption.'
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But at the end of a day of raging controversy over the decision, Bailey released a statement saying 'claims that the film was rejected due to censorship are unequivocally false.' He added that he was trying to find a way to show the film after all.
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'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,' he said. 'I have asked our legal team to work with the filmmaker on considering all options available.'
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Idit Shamir, Israel's Consul General for Toronto and Western Canada, was unconvinced of the sincerity of the message.
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'TIFF's CEO delivers textbook damage control,' she wrote on social media, tagging the festival. 'Apologetic tone with compassion buzzwords. Denies censorship while censoring.'
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She added: '@TIFF_NET invited the October 7th film. They called it important. Then they withdrew it for phantom legal reasons forcing October 7th survivors to seek Hamas permission for massacre footage. Zero transparency on core outrage. PR perfume on institutional moral rot.'
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TIFF's CEO delivers textbook damage control. Apologetic tone with compassion buzzwords. Denies censorship while censoring. @TIFF_NET invited the October 7th film. They called it important. Then they withdrew it for phantom legal reasons forcing October 7th survivors to seek Hamas… https://t.co/w8qR9idgWa
— CG Idit Shamir 🎗️ (@ShamirIdit) August 14, 2025
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After two days of intense controversy, the Toronto International Film Festival has not only reversed its decision to disinvite an October 7 documentary, but has made it an official festival selection. Earlier this week, the festival outraged the filmmakers and Jewish groups when it rescinded an invitation for The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue to screen at this year's festival, which kicks off Sept. 4. The festival backtracked late Thursday evening, issuing a joint statement from Cameron Bailey, TIFF's CEO and Barry Avrich, the filmmaker. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. '(The film) will be an official TIFF selection at the festival this year, where we believe it will contribute to the vital conversations that film is meant to inspire,' the festival said. Please see the following statement from TIFF and the Filmmaker regarding The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue. The film, produced by Melbar Entertainment Group and directed by Avrich, a Canadian, tells the story of retired Israel Defence Forces Gen. Noam Tibon, who raced from Tel Aviv to Kibbutz Nahal Oz near Gaza on October 7 to save his son Amir's family. TIFF had originally said the filmmakers did not secure 'legal clearance of all footage,' which was among the conditions the festival requested to mitigate 'known risks around the screening of a film about highly sensitive subject matter, including potential threat of significant disruption.' The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said in a statement Thursday that TIFF 'ultimately made the right call.' '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. Their voices were heard,' CIJA said. '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.' The initial decision drew condemnation from a number of figures, including Idit Shamir, Israel's consul general for Toronto and western Canada, who called the film festival's Wednesday apology — in which it denied that 'censorship' had played a role in the decision — 'PR perfume on institutional moral rot.' 'They called it important. Then they withdrew it for phantom legal reasons forcing October 7th survivors to seek Hamas permission for massacre footage. Zero transparency on core outrage,' Shamir said. Excellent news. I am thrilled that Barry Avrich's important work will be showcased at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. Stan Cho, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, called the film 'a crucial medium of dialogue.' 'I believe freedom of expression is integral to the arts,' Cho said. On Thursday evening, Cho called TIFF's decision 'excellent news.' 'I am thrilled that Barry Avrich's important work will be showcased at this year's Toronto International Film Festival,' Cho wrote on X. — With additional reporting by Chris Knight Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here .
