Ukrainian diplomats in Canada and the Ukrainian legislature in Canada express outrage at the movie "Russians at War" to be displayed at the Toronto global movie Festival (TIFF). The film, made by Anastasia Trophim, already debuted at the Venice festival, and its North American premiere is scheduled for the next Friday in Toronto. Ukrainian representatives claim that production is inappropriate and even dangerous due to the possible impact on the perception of the conflict in Ukraine.
Controversies around the movie “Russians at War”
The movie “Russians at War” is simply a documentary that according to the authors tells the communicative of Russian soldiers discovering the fact about the conflict in Ukraine. According to the information made available by The Canadian Press, the movie shows the minute erstwhile soldiers learn that the version of events they receive in Russia is manipulated and different from reality. The paper was created in Canadian-French cooperation and is seen by any as a work showing the human side of Russian soldiers, which sparks many controversy.
Oleh Nikolenka, Consul General of Ukraine in Toronto, addressed a letter to the manager of Cameron Bailey's festival, expressing concern and criticism of the film. Nikolenko alleged that production could undermine the work of Russian soldiers for the war crimes committed. In his opinion, the movie underestimates individual work and allows the Russians to be portrayed as victims of propaganda manipulation, which does not give the full fact about the brutality of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The position of director
In consequence to the movie director's criticism, Anastasia Trofimova, powerfully rejected the allegations, claiming that The movie is not propaganda and was implemented without the approval of the Russian government, which threatens her with individual legal consequences in Russia. She besides stressed that she considers Russian aggression on Ukraine to be illegal, which is simply a clear signal that she does not support Putin's actions.
Ukrainian legislature in Canada: message and protest
Despite the director's assurances, Ukrainian legislature in Canada He released a message on Monday expressing his reservations about the film. The organization emphasized that access to the occupied Ukrainian territories where the movie takes place is limited, and Trofimov had no consent to cross the Ukrainian-Russian border. legislature besides accuses the manager that in the past she has collaborated with Russian propaganda tv Russia Todaywhich undermines the credibility of her intentions.
In addition, legislature demands that the Government of Canada and Ontario analyse the usage of Canadian taxpayers' funds in movie production. It was noted that co-financing by Canadian institutions of specified a controversial work raises concerns in the context of social and political responsibility.
Tuesday, September 12, a protest under the cinema was planned Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto, where the North American movie premiere is to take place. The Ukrainian legislature organizes a demonstration in consequence to the release of the film, calling for its withdrawal from the festival program.
Movie reception and broader context
The controversy surrounding the "Russians at War" falls within the broader context of the debate on how media and art should present war activities, especially in the face of ongoing conflict in Ukraine. On the 1 hand, the movie can be seen as an effort to show individual dilemmas and transformations of Russian soldiers, which gives an chance for deeper reflection on the effects of propaganda. On the another hand, critics, including representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora, fear that it can mitigate the image of Russian aggression and war crimes, especially in the eyes of global audiences.
Ukrainian diplomats and activists stress that any action that may lead to relativisation of work for war crimes or to a simplification of force on Russia is unacceptable in the face of the ongoing conflict. Their appeal to remove the movie from the festival is to keep a strong message about the unequivocal work of Russian soldiers and their commanders for the brutality of the conflict.
Will TIFF react?
As the premieres approach, the eyes of the planet of culture and politics are directed at TIFF and the reaction of festival organizers. Cameron Bailey, manager of the festival, has not yet publically referred to the demands of the Ukrainian legislature or Ukrainian diplomats. However, this situation shows how crucial programme decisions are in the context of global conflicts and what consequences they may have.
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They were outraged. Representatives of the Kiev government request that the uncomfortable movie be removed from the repertoire of the global festival
