The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has removed a Canadian-made documentary from its official lineup, citing unresolved legal concerns over the use of sensitive footage linked to the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel.
The film, The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, directed by Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich, tells the story of retired Israel Defense Forces Major General Noam Tibon. On October 7, 2023, Tibon rushed to protect his family and took part in a rescue mission by members of Israel’s elite MAGLAN unit in the kibbutz of Kfar Aza, where intense fighting with Hamas militants unfolded.
According to TIFF organizers, the decision to pull the film was based on legal requirements regarding the use of bodycam recordings captured by Hamas attackers during the assault. Festival representatives explained that to screen the footage publicly, clearance of publishing rights was necessary — including from the owners of the cameras, in this case the attackers themselves — to avoid potential legal claims.
Although TIFF did not publicly address political factors, industry insiders said there were also concerns that the film’s screening could trigger protests during the festival.
The production team criticized the move as an act of self-censorship, arguing that cultural forums should remain spaces for dialogue and freedom of expression. They emphasized that the documentary not only records the tragic events but also highlights acts of extraordinary courage, showing individuals risking their lives to save others.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Jewish community organizations in Canada, who view the removal as excluding Jewish narratives from the cultural conversation. Several groups have publicly called on TIFF to reverse the decision and reinstate the film in the festival’s schedule.
