Protesters clashed briefly with law enforcement officers along the main stretch of the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, opposing the showing of a film revolving around a retired Israeli military leader. Activists, donning keffiyehs and brandishing Palestinian flags, congregated near the TIFF sign at the intersection of King Street and University Avenue. They placed small blankets rolled up and stained with artificial blood, symbolizing deceased infants, at the base of the sign.
The demonstration erupted as audience members started arriving at the nearby Roy Thompson Hall for the premiere of the crime drama “Roofman.” Police obstructed the protesters at the intersection, preventing them from advancing further. Some demonstrators stated that they were protesting against Barry Avrich’s film “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,” which portrays the efforts of retired Israel Defense Forces Major-General Noam Tibon to rescue his family during the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023.
The creators of the documentary clarified last month that they are not politically motivated filmmakers or activists but aim to be storytellers. They emphasized that their films are intended to provoke discussions from diverse perspectives, entertaining and challenging viewers simultaneously.
Initially, the documentary faced removal from TIFF’s lineup due to concerns regarding footage rights and security, prompting criticism from certain politicians, Jewish organizations, and entertainment personalities. Subsequently, TIFF reinstated the film, promising better transparency in their programming decisions.
Protesters at the scene also criticized the Canadian government for its perceived inaction amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and insufficient humanitarian aid access. Mohammad Latifa Abdul Qader expressed concerns about TIFF allegedly whitewashing Israel’s military operations in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of art promoting integrity, justice, and peace.
Najlaa Alzaanin, originally from Gaza, urged the Canadian government to intervene, highlighting the dire situation faced by her family still residing in Gaza. She underscored the urgency of ending what she described as a genocide and called for Canada to fulfill its commitment to assisting those affected by the crisis in Gaza.
Around 12 protesters gathered on the festival street, later dispersing voluntarily after being cautioned for disruptive behavior and trespassing, with no charges filed. Video footage captured by Canadian Press showcased a group of at least two dozen individuals participating in the demonstration.
Local health authorities reported that over 64,000 Palestinians have lost their lives during the nearly two-year conflict in the Gaza Strip, with the war originating from an attack by Hamas militants that claimed around 1,200 lives, mostly civilians, and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages.
The protesters noted that they had not yet viewed “The Road Between Us,” which is scheduled to make its world premiere next Wednesday.